THE NEED FOR WOMEN EMANCIPATION IN NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY IN THE LIGHT OF MILL’S NOTION OF GENDER EQUALITY: A CONTEMPORARY APPROACH

Abstract

Women emancipation in Nigeria is at its lowest ebb due to the complex socio-political environment of contemporary Nigerian society. There are grey areas that need to be addressed in order to guarantee women emancipation in Nigeria. There are myriad of factors that are militating against women emancipation in Nigeria. These grey areas or militating factors include political godfatherism, massive corruption, political gangsterism, ethno-religious crises and the tyranny of custom and tradition, electoral malpractices and poor legal framework. These grey areas mentioned have really slowed down the need for women emancipation in Nigeria. Many Nigerian women are not enthusiastic enough to participate in the political process in Nigeria due to complex socio-political environment or arrangement. The problem of inequality amongst women in contemporary society has become a perennial issue. It has been asserted that the world in which we live in is mainly dominated by men. This misconception of a maledominated world has elicited series of debates. Men and women are naturally equal in the sight of God. The objective of this paper is that irrespective of both sexes, equality is not an absolute or total equality. This paper adopts the analytical method in explaining the need for the emancipation of women. The emancipation of women would bring about the liberalization of any civilized society. The concept of a civilized society is actually hinged on the need for respect and promotion of women’s rights. The advocacy of the emancipation of women in terms of their right to education, employment and vote in any elections is a paramount factor in contemporary society. This paper, therefore, concludes that Mill’s liberal thought is a clear demonstration of a robust practicalization of any democratic setting. Democracy, itself, requires the general happiness of all individuals in civilized society.