Dimensions of Exclusion and Inclusion of Women in Nigeria

Abstract

Uneven social progress among humankind over the past decades has fostered exclusion and has done little to promote inclusion. Inequality pervades economic, social, political, cultural, and environmental spheres, thus constituting systematic disadvantage for some social groups on the basis of their identity. Women are particularly at risk of social exclusion because of complex and intersectional factors that combine to reduce their participation in society. This paper using a desk research method by reviewing existing literature examines how women are excluded and their level of inclusion in three major interrelated domains: markets, services, and spaces. The paper argues that the continual exclusion of women in these domains reduces their productive capacity and the rate of reducing their poverty level, despite the existence of the Gender Equality Policy in Nigeria. Perceptions, practices, and norms are among the processes through which societies render them to subordinate status, and these have become formidable barriers to the full inclusion of women. The government interventions through policies have proved ineffective in this regard. The paper concludes that mainstreaming governance programmes or processes to ensure equality at all levels, must be seen as a political priority. Basic government services should be programmed to meet women’s needs