Experts say that although the Nigerian constitution advocates gender equality, women are still economically marginalised because of cultural norms and gender stereotypes. Audu Bello, economics lecturer at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, says: “Women should have the opportunity to contribute to the economy. Unfortunately, in some parts of the country, cultural and religious barriers tempt society to confine women to specific roles. The World Bank reported that the labour force engagement rate for women in 2022 was 52%, while for men it stood at 65%. Women had 15 out 423 seats in the country’s legislative chambers, and only one woman emerged as a presidential candidate.

Source: The Guardian December 02, 2023 14:37 UTC