Rights of women in the constitutions of nigeria, 1960- 2007 history & international relations project topics – complete project material

Project Abstract

The rights of women have been a significant issue in Nigeria, particularly in the context of its constitutions from 1960 to 2007. This research project delves into the historical evolution of women's rights as enshrined in the Nigerian constitutions during this period, examining the provisions and their implications for gender equality and women's empowerment. Through a comprehensive analysis of the constitutional texts, this study aims to highlight the progress, gaps, and challenges in the recognition and protection of women's rights in Nigeria. The research explores the constitutional provisions related to women's rights, including the right to non-discrimination, equality before the law, political participation, education, and employment. By tracing the changes and continuity in these provisions across different Nigerian constitutions, the project seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the legal framework governing women's rights in the country. Furthermore, the study investigates the impact of these constitutional provisions on the lived experiences of Nigerian women, considering factors such as culture, religion, and socio-economic conditions. In addition to analyzing the domestic legal framework, this research project also examines Nigeria's international obligations regarding women's rights, as reflected in international conventions and treaties. By comparing the constitutional provisions with international standards, the study aims to assess Nigeria's compliance with its international commitments to promote and protect women's rights. Furthermore, the project explores the role of international relations in shaping Nigeria's approach to women's rights, considering factors such as global trends, diplomatic engagements, and transnational advocacy networks. Through a multi-faceted analysis that combines legal, historical, and international relations perspectives, this research project contributes to the scholarly understanding of women's rights in Nigeria. By contextualizing the constitutional provisions within their historical and international contexts, the study sheds light on the progress made in advancing gender equality and the challenges that remain. Ultimately, the research aims to inform policy discussions and advocacy efforts aimed at enhancing women's rights protection and promoting gender equality in Nigeria and beyond.

Project Overview

<p><br>GENERAL INTRODUCTION<br><br>1.1 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY<br><br>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.<br><br>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<br><br>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.<br><br>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<br><br>7<br><br>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<br><br>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.<br><br>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:<br><br>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<br></p>