GENDER DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN AND DISCRIMINATORY LAW IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This research presents a systematic agenda to study gender discrimination against women and discriminatory laws that protects women's right in Nigeria. This research will show how gender discrimination is evident in all aspects of women's lives and how the role of the United Nations and States mechanisms to ascertain the extent to which issues of discriminatory laws are addressed.

The Committee on the Elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW) has played a vital role in working on these discriminatory laws and how they affect women's rights. It stated that States are responsible for monitoring through measurable indicators the impact of laws, policies, and action plans and evaluating progress achieved towards the practical realization of women's substantive equality with men. In order to achieve this, States must consider putting into place temporary special measures. However, it is evident that even States whose Constitution guarantees equality before the Law has laws that discriminate against women despite all efforts by the United Nations. It is pertinent to know that these discriminatory practices exist in every corner of the globe, not just in Nigeria. However, it just differs from State to State, and new discriminatory laws are enacted. This thesis will show the forms of gender discrimination women face in Africa using Nigeria as a case study. It will propose and suggest solutions to discriminatory practices to promote and protect women's rights.