Assessing The Factors That Militate Against the Successful Passage of Gender Bills in Nigeria: A Case Study of the Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities Bill, 2022

Abstract

Women's representation in Nigeria’s parliament has been the lowest in the world, and perceived that unequal representation will linger as long as men are the "gatekeepers" of policy formulation. The study sought to identify the factors that played against the Gender Equality Bill during floor debates in the Eighth and Ninth Assembly. The study further sought to identify gender-based bills considered in the Eighth and Ninth National Assembly. The research is crucial in addressing specific challenges faced during the debates on the bill, and its findings can inform the development of targeted interventions and strategies for advocates of the bill to ensure its enactment into law as the 10th National Assembly commences. The study centred on the Theoretical Framework of Hegemonic Masculinity. A mixed-methods research design was used during the study. Data was sourced from the National Assembly Hansard of the Eight and Ninth Assembly and the status of gender bills in the House of Representatives and the Senate within the same period. Qualitative data derived from Hansard, was analyzed through thematic analysis. Quantitative data was sourced from the status of gender bills within the period under review in the form of tables. The findings revealed the presence of Hegemonic Masculinities during the debates and strong traditional, cultural, and religious norms, which prevented Members of the National Assembly from effective deliberations on the gender equality bill. Also It was recommended that the Gender Equality Bill be represented as an executive bill with engagements with Legislators at various stages of the bill process. Furthermore, Members of the National Assembly should be sensitized on the bill’s general principles in the form of meetings, seminars, and workshops before the debate, during the committee stage, and at other stages in the bill process. Parliament must prioritize a legal framework for women's equality to combat discrimination and gender bias, fostering a society where women's professional accomplishments are valued and celebrated, free from fashion and harmful stereotypes.