Women, Vision 2020 and Nigeria’s Legal Blindspot

Development plans like Vision 2020 failed by design, resting on legal frameworks that near-completely overlooked women—half the population—in Nigeria.

Written by Cynthia Igodo

Apr 6, 2020

WIMBIZ Conference

To live up to its economic potential, Nigeria needs to invest more in educating girls and economically empower women. The evidence is clear that countries that reduce the gender gap are more prosperous than those that fail to do so.

Educated women act as ‘magic multiplier’ as The Guardian aptly described it. They are in a better position to have healthy children, educate them and provide a better lifestyle for the entire family. Better education also drives higher incomes which benefits the household as well as the overall economy.

Lack of access to basic education, healthcare and financial services are some of the key drivers of Nigeria’s gender inequality. The country scores poorly ranking 128 out of 153 countries on the World Economic Forum’s 2020 Global Gender Gap Index. It also ranks at the bottom of the list on the Educational Attainment, Health & Survival and Political Empowerment sub-indices respectively.

On a more positive note, Nigeria scores 38 out of 153 in the Economic Participation sub index. According to an IMF review of the Nigerian economy, promoting gender equality could be an economic game-changer boosting growth and productivity and ensuring greater economic stability. It is estimated that Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) could grow by 23 per cent (or 229 billion US dollar) by 2025 if women participated in the economy to the same extent as men.

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About the Author

Cynthia Igodo

is a lawyer based in Lagos, Nigeria.

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Women, Vision 2020 and Nigeria’s Legal Blindspot