A CASE FOR GENDER EDUCATION AND INSTRUCTION IN FEMINIST ISSUES IN NIGERIAN INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING

Abstract

This paper underscores the prevalent issues of gender discrimination, sexist traditions and practices that inhibit female physical and mental health and economy empowerment in Nigeria. It reviews some cultural practices across Nigeria and of international opinions and research on gender disparity. Family life is fraught with domestic violence, female genital mutilation, and oppression of widows and violation of human rights. Most religious practices and cultures in Nigeria do not accord women equal status with men, and it is the inequality in their roles and conflict with societal expectation that create tension in individuals, families and by extension the society. It is proposed that our educational policy should take into cognisance the need for gender education. And this should be incorporated into the curriculum for all levels of our educational system. It would take instruction in behaviour modification to change the thought pattern of people so that they could choose to renounce inhumane cultural practices that have often caused women pain and death. Even though the Human Rights Charter adopted by the United Nations Organisation in 1948 accorded equal rights to both men and women, we do not have equality in all facets of life. It is a monumental struggle to change the worldwide patrocentric culture.