Inclusive HRM in West Africa? Women’s Religious Congregations in Nigeria

Abstract

In most parts of the world, men still dominate in leadership positions. This is true for Africa, including Nigeria. Recent studies on HRM in Nigeria emphasize the non-recognition of women in management positions as well as decision-making. Additionally, women also often experience barriers to access top leadership positions. One way of gaining influence, impact and leadership for women has traditionally been through women’s organizations or by women gathering for a certain cause. Internationally, this topic has received hardly attention. In this chapter, we focus on a female religious organization in Nigeria and analyse its leadership and HRM from the point of view of inclusiveness. We argue that the growth of this and other congregations can be seen as a practical form of empowerment of women and in many aspects results in inclusive organizations, with strong female leadership.