- Sheds Light on Multifaceted Challenges
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
A comprehensive survey conducted by Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) and Women for Women International (WfWI) has shed light on the multifaceted barriers hindering women’s engagement in economic and political spheres in Plateau State, Nigeria.
The findings, compiled through desk research, focus group discussions, and interviews, underscore the urgent need for concerted efforts to dismantle these barriers and promote women’s meaningful inclusion.
The survey revealed that despite the fundamental rights to equal participation, women in Nigeria encounter formidable obstacles in engaging in decision-making processes. The report exposed the intricate challenges impeding women’s complete, equitable, and meaningful involvement in public life.
A crucial aspect highlighted in the study is the varying levels of awareness among women regarding their rights to participate. While concepts like freedom of speech and political participation were recognized universally, there exists a disparity in understanding the legal frameworks safeguarding these rights, particularly among rural communities. Notably, 75% of surveyed women were aware of state laws guaranteeing political rights, with 73% acknowledging specific provisions for women’s electoral participation.
The report further revealed that women encounter both formal and informal barriers to their participation, with a significant disparity observed between political and economic domains. While 64% of women felt hindered in political participation, 39% cited barriers in economic engagement. These barriers encompassed factors such as lack of education, gender discrimination, economic vulnerability, and institutional constraints.
The report advocates for comprehensive interventions addressing structural, cultural, and economic barriers to women’s participation. It stresses the importance of:
- Strengthening the implementation of existing laws and policies
- Promoting gender mainstreaming in peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts
- Addressing socio-cultural norms through awareness campaigns and community dialogues
- Enhancing economic opportunities and social protection measures for women
- Supporting grassroots women’s advocacy initiatives for legislative change
The report noted that as Nigeria navigates challenges posed by gender inequality and socio-economic dynamics, there’s an urgent call for stakeholders, including governments, donors, NGOs, and community leaders, to prioritize women’s inclusion. It further stressed that by addressing systemic barriers and promoting women’s economic empowerment and awareness, Nigeria can unlock its full potential for inclusive development.
The report underscores the imperative for concerted efforts from governments, civil society, and international partners to dismantle barriers and ensure that women’s voices are heard and valued in Nigeria’s public sphere.