DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE FEMALE GENDER IN NIGERIA: LEGAL ISSUES AND WAY FORWARD.

ABSTRACT This research work provides an overview of gender discrimination, the legal issues as well as legislations; both national and international, and the institutional framework that addresses the issue of gender discrimination. Structures of inequality and discrimination against women have somehow been established from time immemorial. In Nigeria, women have been reduced to second class citizens and though women have come to be recognized as the pillars of the family, which is the smallest unit of an economy, they are still not heard, seen or recognized in other important units such as the workplace, health, leadership, politics and education to mention a few. The problem of gender discrimination in Nigeria does not just stand as a vicious attacker or violator of human rights, but is also a hindrance having a far-reaching effect on the country’s social and economic and social development. It is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address before it becomes a widespread fire. The available laws addressing gender discrimination across the globe are lacking of stringency as well as effective enforcement. Even the judiciary, which ought to be the administrator of justice pass discriminatory judgments. Also, some legislations such as the Labor Act, Criminal Code, and even the Constitution which is the grundnorm upon which any other law in contrast becomes inconsistent to the extent of its inconsistency contains discriminatory clauses in its provisions. As long as these discriminatory clauses are in place, any new legislation fighting gender discrimination will be quashed or have no efficacy due to its inconsistency with the provisions of the constitution. Therefore, the issue of discrimination based on gender is still prevalent though not very much in open as it used to be in time past. This study carefully examines the above stated issues and proffer recommendations that can serve as a healthy solution to the decadence gender discrimination is rapidly spreading among individuals, societies, nations and the globe at large. KEYWORDS: Gender, Gender discrimination, Inequality, Discriminatory Laws, Legal Framework,