Gender Mainstreaming in Nigeria: A Historical Perspective

Gender mainstreaming is a critical strategy for achieving gender equality by integrating gender perspectives into all aspects of policy, planning, and development. In Nigeria, despite the adoption of gender-focused policies, such as the National Gender Policy and ratification of international agreements like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), significant barriers to gender equality persist. This study examines the historical development and contemporary challenges of gender mainstreaming in Nigeria, exploring the socio-political, cultural, and institutional factors that have shaped gender policy and its implementation. Using a qualitative research design based on secondary data sources, the research analyzes scholarly literature, government reports, and publications from international organizations to assess the effectiveness of gender mainstreaming initiatives. Findings reveal that while some progress has been made in terms of policy formulation, key challenges, including cultural resistance, inadequate funding, limited political commitment, and institutional inefficiencies, continue to hinder meaningful progress. The study concludes that overcoming these challenges requires stronger institutional frameworks, greater financial investment in gender-focused programs, and more inclusive community engagement. By addressing these barriers, Nigeria can move closer to realizing its gender equality goals and achieving sustainable development.