What Is Gender Discrimination? Gender discrimination happens when people are unfairly treated because of their gender. This problem affects millions, especially women and girls in schools, workplaces, politics, and healthcare. Gender discrimination limits opportunities, keeps people in poverty, and slows down progress in society.
What Is Gender Discrimination in Education?
Education is a human right, yet many girls in Nigeria do not get an even chance with boys. According to UNICEF, there are 10.5 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, the majority of whom are girls. The belief in many families is that while boys need to go to school, girls should stay home to help with the chores or prepare for their marriages.
The cause of girls dropping out of school has emanated from being subjected to early marriages. Girls Not Brides reports that a high proportion of girls, about 44% in Nigeria, are married before their 18th birthday. Once married, many girls stay at home, thus denying them an opportunity to complete their education. Without education, they struggle to find good jobs and remain stuck in poverty.
What Is Gender Discrimination in Workplaces?
Women in Nigeria earn less than men, even when they do the same jobs. The World Economic Forum reports that Nigerian women earn 23% less than men. Many women work in low-paying jobs without job security or benefits.
Women also face challenges in getting promotions and leadership positions. Many companies believe men should be leaders, while women should stay in lower positions. This thinking makes it harder for women to grow in their careers and earn more money.
Another problem is access to business funding. Many banks require property or assets as collateral for loans. Since many women are denied the right to own land, they struggle to get loans to start or grow their businesses.
What Is Gender Discrimination in Politics?
Nigeria has very few women in leadership. Women hold less than 7% of elected positions, making Nigeria one of the lowest-ranking countries in female political representation.
Many people believe politics is for men, and women who try to run for office often face discrimination. They may not get party support, and they sometimes face harassment. This lack of representation means that policies affecting women and children are not properly addressed.
What Is Gender Discrimination in Healthcare?
Women and girls in Nigeria face serious health risks because of gender discrimination. Nigeria has one of the highest maternal death rates in the world. According to the WHO, about 58,000 Nigerian women die every year from pregnancy-related causes. Many of these deaths happen because women do not have access to proper healthcare.
Some cultural and religious beliefs also stop women from getting medical help. In some cases, women need permission from their husbands before they can go to a hospital. Others give birth at home without trained medical help, increasing the risk of complications.
How to End Gender Discrimination
To end gender discrimination, people must first understand the problem. Schools must give equal opportunities to boys and girls. Workplaces must pay men and women equally and allow women to rise to leadership positions. Women must be encouraged to participate in politics and have access to quality healthcare.
Ending gender discrimination benefits everyone. When women and girls get equal opportunities, families earn more money, children get better education, and Nigeria’s economy grows.
Conclusion
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