Abstract
Women’s rights can be referred to as the rights that women posses under human rights. The word human in human rights suggest that both men and women are entitle to this rights
All over the world today, women’s rights are one of the top issues that have become so popular in the midst of both women and men. It comes under diverse titles like; gender, feminism, women marginalization, just to mention few.
Women’s rights, as it is of great concern all over the world, so it is in Nigeria. Great women like Catherine Ujim (Aba riot), Margaret Ekpo, Kudirat Abiola, Ladi Sheu, just to mention few, have fought so much for the empowerment of women in Nigeria. During their time and even up till now, religion, culture and lack of education had hindered women from being recognised, for a long time in the country. In some part of the country, before now, women are not allowed to vote or be voted for because of the belief that they are suppose to be helping their mothers at home, most especially in the kitchen, because they will later become housewives. All this contributed to women’s marginalization in Nigeria.
Looking back at the democratic governments that the country have had so far, it could be said that things are changing positively for women especially under the fourth republic, women are gradually taking their places in every sectors, that is politically, academically, economically and socially. Although this is gradual and women are yet to be fully recognised. With the positive changes the women are witnessing now, under this democratic dispensation, it could be said that, women and men in Nigeria are becoming more enlightened that is, the importance of education for a girl child is becoming more apparent, strong on the ground that if this could continue for a long time the barrier on women’s right will be lifted completely in the country.
