Women in Nigeria play a significant yet often underappreciated role in the country’s economic development.
From agriculture to entrepreneurship and leadership in various sectors, Nigerian women contribute substantially to both the formal and informal economy. Yet, despite their crucial role, they continue to face numerous barriers that hinder their full potential.
This article explores the various contributions of Nigerian women to economic growth, the challenges they face, and the inherent opportunities in their empowerment.
Historically, Nigerian women have been integral to the agricultural sector, which remains the backbone of the country’s economy. Women are involved in food production, processing, and distribution, often running small-scale businesses that supply local markets. Rural women are particularly significant in farming, taking care of crops and livestock, and managing resources at the household level.
According to reports, women produce up to 60% of food in Nigeria, yet their contributions are often overlooked in official economic statistics and policymaking. This lack of recognition has created challenges in securing access to resources such as land, finance, and technology.
In urban areas, Nigerian women have increasingly entered the workforce, particularly education, healthcare, banking, and telecommunications. Women-owned businesses, from small-scale enterprises to larger corporations, are steadily growing, especially in sectors like fashion, beauty, and hospitality. The rise of female entrepreneurs is transforming the economic landscape of the country. However, women still face challenges in accessing capital, mentorship, and markets. Gender bias, the lack of gender-sensitive policies, and limited access to networks for women entrepreneurs contribute to these disparities.
Women’s involvement in leadership roles has also expanded over the years, though it remains relatively limited compared to their male counterparts. Female political leaders, business executives, and civil society activists have made significant strides in advancing issues related to women’s rights, health, education, and economic development. However, the under-representation of women in decision-making processes—especially in politics and top corporate positions—continues to be a major issue. Gender inequality in leadership limits the perspectives that can drive comprehensive national development strategies, which could have positive effects on the entire population.
One of the critical factors that could further empower women economically is education. Women in Nigeria are making significant progress in educational attainment, with the female literacy rate steadily on the increase. Education for girls and women remains one of the most powerful tools to unlock economic opportunities. It equips women with the knowledge and skills needed to participate fully in the workforce, improve their families’ economic well-being, and contribute to the development of their communities. Nevertheless, access to quality education remains a challenge for many women, particularly in rural areas, where cultural norms and economic constraints may limit their opportunities.
Women also face systemic barriers in terms of legal rights and societal expectations. In many regions, customary and traditional laws continue to limit women’s access to property and inheritance. These legal constraints prevent women from fully utilising their assets to secure financial independence. Additionally, the burden of unpaid care work, such as childrearing and household responsibilities, disproportionately falls on women, limiting their time and resources for economic activities. Gender norms and stereotypes often confine women to specific roles, further limiting their freedom to engage in entrepreneurial or professional endeavours.
Despite these challenges, Nigerian women continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation. Over the past few decades, several initiatives and programs have aimed to empower women economically. The Nigerian government, in partnership with international organisations and NGOs, has launched various projects to provide women with access to credit, education, and training. Programs like the Nigerian Women Empowerment Fund (NWEF) and the Gender and Vulnerable Group Support Scheme (GVGSS) have been crucial in promoting women’s access to capital and improving their economic opportunities.
Furthermore, the growing influence of digital technology has opened new avenues for women to engage in the economy. Women in tech, online businesses, and e-commerce are gaining ground, leveraging the power of the internet to reach global markets. Digital platforms have allowed women entrepreneurs to overcome traditional barriers like geography and limited access to physical markets. The rise of social media has also provided Nigerian women with a powerful tool for networking, marketing their businesses, and advocating for women’s rights.
The Nigerian government and the private sector must work together to dismantle the structural barriers that prevent women from fully participating in the economy. Creating gender-sensitive policies, promoting female entrepreneurship, ensuring equal access to resources, and providing a conducive environment for women to thrive will have far-reaching effects on the country’s overall economic growth. Empowering women economically is not only a matter of social justice but also a strategy for driving inclusive development that benefits everyone.
In conclusion, while Nigerian women already make significant contributions to the economy, their potential for driving national growth can be further unlocked through education, legal reforms, and greater access to economic opportunities. It is essential that both the public and private sectors recognise and support the role of women in the economy, creating an environment where women can thrive and contribute to the sustainable development of Nigeria. By investing in women’s economic empowerment, Nigeria stands to reap the benefits of a more dynamic, equitable, and prosperous society.
Usman is of the Mass Communication Department, Borno State University, Maiduguri, Borno State.