Thesis Abstract

The abstract of the research project is as follows This research project explores the rights of women as enshrined in the constitutions of Nigeria from 1960 to 2007. The study delves into the historical development of women's rights in Nigeria within the context of international relations. By analyzing the constitutional provisions related to women's rights during this period, the research aims to highlight the evolution of gender equality and women empowerment in Nigeria's legal framework. The research project employs a qualitative research methodology, utilizing document analysis and content analysis to examine the constitutional texts and amendments pertaining to women's rights. By tracing the changes and continuity in the constitutional provisions concerning women over the four-decade period, the study provides insights into the progress, challenges, and gaps in the legal recognition and protection of women's rights in Nigeria. The research findings reveal that the constitutions of Nigeria from 1960 to 2007 have demonstrated a gradual but uneven progression in recognizing and safeguarding women's rights. While there have been notable advancements in certain areas such as political participation and non-discrimination, there are persistent gaps and limitations in addressing issues such as gender-based violence, economic empowerment, and cultural barriers to women's rights. Moreover, the research project contextualizes the constitutional developments within the broader framework of international relations, examining how global norms and conventions on gender equality have influenced the evolution of women's rights in Nigeria. The study underscores the importance of international treaties, conventions, and advocacy in shaping the legal landscape for women's rights in Nigeria and promoting gender mainstreaming in policy and practice. In conclusion, the research project contributes to the existing scholarship on women's rights in Nigeria by offering a comprehensive analysis of the constitutional provisions from 1960 to 2007. By shedding light on the historical trajectory of women's rights in Nigeria and its intersection with international relations, the study provides valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and activists working towards gender equality and women empowerment in Nigeria and beyond.

Thesis Overview

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1       BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

This study is written in view of the growth of the waves of feminism, which pay special attention to women’s rights within the society that is more or less gender insensitive. It is following the regard of women as human legal entities who or which are endowed by nature or by law with the capacity to enter into legal relations such as contracts of employment, commercial contracts and marriage contracts without detraction from social constraints. Thus this study is concerned with the sum total of rights and duties concerned with the women as provided in the constitution by reason of their legal affiliation to the state-Nigeria.

Rights, as used in this regard, are privileges or prerogatives that are conferred on a person or a group by law. In other words, they are lawful claims, which the state defined and is ready to protect.1Rights (both political and civil rights) according to Olakanmi Olajide, are fundamental freedom which all men and women, are entitled, without discrimination. These, he further noted, are based on the laid down philosophy of the international law which reads: “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”.2

Rights are entitlements that are essential for human existence. Umozurike, Oji U. observes that these rights are third generation rights. The first generation rights, which were first to be recognized are: the right to life, liberty, dignity, etc; the second generation rights are: the right to education, health, work, etc; and other third generation rights include the right of self-determination, to develop, to natural wealth and resources, etc.3 However it must be pointed that in spite of the declarations for these rights, there are still agitations for freedom and rights which are evident in the different waves for the rights of women, thus showing that these rights are not being enjoyed by the people they are meant for.

Chukwudifu A. Oputa says that every human being (i.e. both male and female) is a valuable creature on which justice is built. The Bible commands us to love one another, but justice asks that if we cannot love, at least we do not injure. For anything that constitutes an injury is thus against the law, after all the law cannot compel us to love. However, he maintains, it is pertinent to

7

note that the violation of rights, especially of women is the fault of the countrymen who have failed to cultivate law culture or acquire the virtue of reverence of law.4 Olisa Agbakoba submits that when injustice, discrimination and degradation of human value tend to thrive, human right groups such as women liberation movement or wave of feminism is very imminent.5

There is no doubt that women have played dynamic and constructive roles and thus contributed tremendously to societal development, but those roles as well as their status are yet to break the chauvinistic and patriarchal dominance. They are socialized to accept inferior position to their male counterpart.

Afikpo, the second metropolitan town in Ebonyi State, has the population of 61956 out of which women are 29864.6 Here the women represent about 48.9% of the population and also command numerical strength. But the age-long inferior status or perception of women that emanated from cultural and religions beliefs have continued to affect them (women). Some of these beliefs have been practiced for so long that they are embedded in the societal norms, and such that the laws of the land or constitutions and international instruments, which protect the rights of women, are flagrantly infringed in the guise of cultural and religions beliefs. Jivka Marinova notes that:

We represent over half of humanity. We give life, we work, love, create, struggle, and have fun. We currently accomplish most of the work essential to life and the continued survival of humankind. Yet our place in society continues to be undervalued.7