Summary

In March 2016, the Nigerian Senate voted down the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, which aimed to grant women equal rights in marriage, inheritance, education, employment, and political representation. The bill sought to implement Nigeria's constitutional guarantees and fulfill obligations under international agreements like CEDAW and the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa, both of which Nigeria has ratified.

The bill faced strong religious opposition, particularly from northern Senators, who argued it conflicted with Sharia law and religious doctrines. Critics cited both Islamic and Christian texts as justification for rejecting the bill.

Despite legislative failure, Nigeria’s judiciary has made progress in overturning discriminatory inheritance laws. Notably, Supreme Court rulings in 2014 invalidated customary laws that denied widows or female children property rights, declaring them unconstitutional and contrary to human rights.

Contents

• Equal legal capacity for women
• Equal treatment in courts
• Non-discrimination in movement, contracts, inheritance, and guardianship
• 35% quota for women in politics and economic opportunities
• Gender equality in education and workplace rights
• Ban on degrading widowhood practices
• Proposal for a Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission to oversee enforcement.

Source: Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (Document Source)