THE EFFECT OF GENDER INEQUALITY ON WOMEN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: AN ASSESSMENT OF LAPAI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NIGER STATE
ABSTRACT
This study seek to examine the effect of gender indequality on women employment opportunities with specific reference to Lapai Local Government area of Niger State. The specific objectives of this study is to examine the community’s perspectives with regard to the concept of gender inequality, establish factors causing gender inequality and investigate effect of gender inequality on women employment opportunities. In pursuit of this objective the methodology used were literature review; interviews using a structured questionnaire and key informant interviews. Data analysis was undertaken using the SPSS software Version 21 for quantitative. Descriptive statistics were used to obtain frequencies, proportions, and cross-tabulations. Findings of the study revealed that although women are not restricted to engage in economic activities, still the community perspectives towards women is very negative. Women are perceived as weaker sex and unable to do the jobs effectively as compared to men. Moreover, there are inequality employment opportunities between men and women. The situation is worse for married women since they are restricted by their husbands to engage in economic activities. As a result, there is a high dependence level of women to their husbands, situation of which increases their poverty level. The study observed that the relationship between gender inequality and women employment opportunity are statistically significant: indicating that gender inequality in Lapai Local Government area is the possible reason for women’s economic backwardness. Based on these findings; is recommended that in respect of the concept of gender inequality there should be more awareness and education programs on the effects of gender inequality. In terms of factors causing gender inequality and women employment opportunities the government should enforce and enact good policies, which will eliminate the gender inequality problem in Lapai local government as well as provide conducive working environment for both men and women.