Title: Leadership And Gender Equality In Nigeria; Issues, Challenges And The Way Forward
Authors: Nnamdi B. Opara and Chioma P. Okoye
Volume: 9
Issue: 2
Pages: 137-145
Publication Date: 2025/02/28
Abstract:
Gender equality in leadership has been shown to enhance creativity, innovation, and productivity by incorporating diverse viewpoints and experiences, hence facilitating improved decision-making. This research examined the difficulties and concerns related to leadership and gender equality within the setting of Nigeria. The study utilised a descriptive research design to investigate concepts and constructs pertinent to the phenomenon under examination, while the Feminist theory of Development provided the theoretical framework that underpinned the research's significance and robustness. The study identified and examined significant issues related to gender equality and leadership, including gender discrimination and bias, offensive socio-cultural practices targeting specific genders, and stereotyping limitations hindering women's pursuit of political and organisational leadership roles. The research thus advocated for the development of gender-responsive policies designed to tackle the root causes of gender disparity. The research indicated that gender-sensitive data collection and analysis need to guide policy formulation and program design. This will guarantee gender-balanced policy objectives that would foster good governance and effective leadership in Nigeria. Furthermore, the research study underscored the need of increasing female representation in leadership roles, attainable via affirmative action legislation and the advancement of women's rights organisations and networks.