Protection of women against discriminatory laws, policies and practices in nigeria: an appraisal

Project Abstract

Women in Nigeria face significant challenges due to discriminatory laws, policies, and practices that perpetuate gender inequality and hinder their full participation in society. This research project aims to critically appraise the protection of women against discriminatory laws, policies, and practices in Nigeria. The study will analyze the legal framework in Nigeria, focusing on laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and property rights that often disadvantage women. It will examine the extent to which these laws are discriminatory and assess the implementation and enforcement mechanisms in place to protect women's rights. Furthermore, the research will evaluate existing gender-related policies and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in Nigeria. This will involve a thorough examination of government programs, non-governmental organizations' interventions, and international conventions and agreements that Nigeria is a signatory to. The project will also investigate societal practices and cultural norms that contribute to the marginalization of women in Nigeria. By exploring traditional beliefs and attitudes towards women, the research aims to identify areas where interventions are needed to challenge harmful practices and promote gender equality. In addition, the study will highlight the experiences of women in Nigeria who have been affected by discriminatory laws, policies, and practices. Through interviews and case studies, the research will provide a platform for women to share their stories and perspectives, shedding light on the lived realities of gender inequality in the country. Overall, the research project seeks to provide a comprehensive appraisal of the protection of women against discriminatory laws, policies, and practices in Nigeria. By identifying gaps in the legal framework, policy implementation, and societal attitudes, the study aims to generate recommendations for reform that will advance gender equality and women's rights in the country. Through its rigorous examination of the legal, policy, and societal landscape, this research project contributes to the ongoing dialogue on women's rights in Nigeria and provides valuable insights for policymakers, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders working towards gender equality and social justice in the country.

Project Overview

<p> </p><div><p>Human rights are rights that have come to be guaranteed over time, to all men and</p><p>women, irrespective of race or creed. These rights extend to even the unborn, in</p><p>certain circumstances. However, in many societies, women are subject to</p><p>discriminatory tendencies in the form of laws, policies and practices that derogate</p><p>from their human rights, simply became of their gender.</p><p>Many international instruments have been put in place to stem these negative</p><p>tendencies, especially through the works of the United Nations Educational,</p><p>Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Labour</p><p>Organization (I.L.O)</p><p>In Nigeria, for instance, women tend to suffer inequalities in the social, political ,</p><p>economic and cultural fields. This is notwithstanding the fact that there are formal</p><p>provisions on the statute books that guarantees equality to all before the law.</p><p>As the ‘grundnorm,’ all the Constitution made for Nigeria with their fundamental</p><p>rights provisions envisage equality of all citizens, whether male or female. The</p><p>Thesis finds that the envisaged equality is at best formal and not actual, even</p><p>though the country is a party to international conventions and instruments that</p><p>provide for equal enjoyment of human rights by both genders.</p><p>Some laws, cultural practices and traditions have been fingered in restricting and</p><p>derogating from the enjoyment of basic rights by women. This thesis sets out to</p><p>vi</p></div><p>identify derogations from women’s rights, its effects and proffer suggestions on</p><p>how to curtail these gustative tendencies, with particular reference to Nigeria.</p><div><p><strong>CHAPTER</strong>&nbsp;<strong>ONE</strong></p><p><strong>G</strong><strong>ENERAL</strong>&nbsp;<strong>INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p><strong>1.1</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>BACKGROUND</strong>&nbsp;<strong>TO</strong>&nbsp;<strong>STUDY</strong></p><p>Women are connected to other human beings through the biologically based activities of</p><p>pregnancy, breast-feeding and heterosexual intercourse¹. However, throughout history, women</p><p>have had to struggle against direct and indirect barriers to their self-development and their full</p><p>participation in social, political, economic and cultural activities of different societies.</p><p>Discrimination against women starts at birth, in the discriminatory</p></div> <br><p></p>