GENDER AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: POSITION OF EDUCATED WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Arikewuyo Hauwa Ajibola; Babatunde Kudirat Abimbola & Mas’ud Oniye Tawakalitu

Abstract

Adequate development has to do with how effectively the people in a particular location are taken care of and how efficiently they are educated. Education is one of the key achievement to measure the development of any nation. Giving equal education to the citizens irrespective of gender or where they live means the nation has liberated her people from the shackles of ignorance and inferiority complex with other nations. One of the major threats to the developing nation is gender inequality, a phenomenon that is peculiar to developing nations; particularly in Africa, Nigeria inclusive. Africa setting does not really value the education of the women because they are considered property owned by men despite their contributions to their homes and communities. Roles taking in leadership position by women are not something that is appreciated by the community because women are seen as inferior to men or passive creatures that have no say or should not be heard openly. Some women are depressed because culture forbids them to be outspoken. This makes the ratio of power distribution to women to be low when compared to their male counterparts, despite their contributions to their different homes, communities and the nation at large.  This attitude contradicts the popular saying that, what a man can do a woman can do better if not best. There are women who have made this country proud both within and outside the country because they are educated. On this note, this paper discusses education to national development despite the syndrome of gender inequality, the importance of women education, defines the concept of women education, reviews some women who had made the country proud home and Diaspora because they are educated. On a final note, suggestions are made on how to improve women education for better participation in national development. For no reason should the girls be withdraw from school, if the parents are financially handicap the government should make provision for the completion of their education