Shaping the Nigerian Economy: The Role of Women

The thrust of this paper is to see how changing gender identities and roles can impact and influence positive changes in Nigerian economy. There is every need to empower Nigerian women particularly in the present global economy which recognizes the need for individuals to develop their potentials and contribute to the overall development of the nation. The equity aspect implies that labour market participation of women will improve their relative economic position. It will also increase overall economic efficiency and improve development potentials of the country. Researchers world over observed that Should majority of the world’s population remain vulnerable to economic, political, legal and social marginalization, the hope of advancing democracy and prosperity will be jeopardized. This study analyzed the gender matrix in economic activities using secondary data obtained from CBN statistical Bulletin. The total percentage of women workers (participants) engaged in one form of activity or the other in the economy is 43.1% as opposed to men’s 56.9%. This picture though appears nice statistically, is quite misleading. Key leading sectors in the economy by way of income yield or reward have not been favorable to women in terms of participation. Poverty will be reduced to the barest minimum if the government will take appropriate measures to implement and enforce laws and policies directed towards enabling women have the same rights as Nigerian men.