AN APPRAISAL OF SOME NIGERIAN LAWS AND CULTURAL PRACTICES DISCRIMINATORY TO WOMEN’S RIGHTS

Abstract

Every human irrespective of their sex, race, language, social settings, origin, discipline and background deserves to be treated equally in the society. Women are generally seen as vulnerable part of the society compared with the male counterpart, and the patrilineal nature of the society, especially in Africa coupled with religious and cultural factors which make the rights of women to be given little or no attention. The resulting effect of this is that the dignity of womanhood and right to self-determinism of a woman is often eroded, thereby making majority of women live their lives in abuse, discrimination and molestation. There is therefore a need for change and women should have full right and sense of belonging. Discrimination simply means treating some people differently from others. Sequel to these cankerworms, the aim of this article was to appraise some of the legal provisions inimical to the rights of women in Nigeria. The research methodology was doctrinal approach, using expository and analytical research design. The main sources of data collection were various legal literatures, both from the physical library and the e-library. It was recommended among others that these discriminatory laws ought to be expunged and most laws amended to accommodate the protection of women’s rights and should be adequately enforce. Finally, this article was made to be significant to all stakeholders in human right and feminism.