Government and NGOs Performance with Respect to Women Empowerment in Nigeria

Abstract

his study investigates the performance of the Government of Nigeria and NGOs in the empowerment of women in the country. It examines the following research questions: is there a positive relationship between government policies and its inability to enforce domestic abuse crime, sexual harassment, and male hostile domination? Are NGOs women empowerment and women liberation programs more effective than those of the government of Nigeria?  To address these questions, the study uses data on NGOs that provides major capacity building projects (i.e., women education, legal rights and entrepreneurship projects) and government programs for combating discrimination against women in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. This study uses both qualitative and quantitative research methods to examine the role of government and NGOs in the empowerment of women in Nigeria On one hand, results point toward a negative relationship between government and women empowerment policies. On the other hand, result shows a positive correlation between NGOs and women empowerment in Nigeria. Further cultural, religious, social and economic factors as well as the lack of effective implementation of gender policies continue to militate against the integration of women in the country. Our research included a survey of some 2,250 women that have benefited from NGOs empowerment program. One striking discovery is that Nigerian women have benefited more from NGOs empowerment programs than those provided by the government. Women who benefited from NGOs empowerment programs have progressed from being victims of domestic abuse unemployment to entry-level jobs and subsequently to middle management. About 15 percent of them have move from middle management to senior management. The results of this study have implications for NGOs management in the context of women projects management and governments’ political willingness to collaborate with NGOs in addressing women’s empowerment and capacity-building issues in Nigeria.