Patriarchy and Emergent Gender Equality in Nigeria

Abstract

The paper examines patriarchy and emergent gender equality in Nigeria. Tradition or culture and religion have dictated men and women relationship for decades and institutionalized male superiority into the structure of social organization and institution at all levels of human life. Patriarchy rationalizes the degradation and marginalization of women in education, economy, employment, politics, business, family, domestic issues utilizing several ideological, cultural, socio-economic, political as well as religious forces. The paper contends that the world has observed a renewed concern in the pursuit of gender equality and this interest has culminated in the materialization of several international and national strategies aimed at promoting gender equality, women empowerment as well as stimulates and facilitates the protection of the rights of women. Though, despite the fact that gender disparity is not pleasant and acceptable, the paper counters the belief that gender division can be utterly stamped out knowing the patriarchal composition and religious ideals, thinking and custom that sustain male dominance in most Nigerian societies. It is therefore recommended among others that there is need to step up education and enlightenment of the individual woman to enable her establish her influence and fracture the cycle of low self esteem which is often characterized by lack of confidence, disillusionment, and self- pity and that the Nigerian government should make an effort to review all gender discriminatory laws in order to demonstrate her whole dedication to eliminate gender inequality in Nigeria.