WOMEN'S TREATMENT IN NIGERIA

Underdogs in the World of Politics and Beyond

HOW DID IT START?

Before British colonialism, women played a major role in society. They were expected to bring in money to the family. It was the western influence on Nigeria's culture that pushed women to the bottom of the social and political hierarchy.

MARRIAGE
Polygamy is common. It is often seen as a relief for wives, as they get older. If a woman cannot have babies or is unmarried or divorced, she is looked down upon by the community. The times are slowly changing, though.

POLITICS
"Since Nigeria's independence from Britain in 1960, no woman has been elected governor in any of Nigeria's 36 states and the country has never had a female president" (allafrica.com). In 1985, the Nigerian government passed the convention to eliminate all discrimination of women. While the law slowly takes affect, a few trailblazing women will make huge advances into the world of politics, easing the path of the women who come after them.

WOMEN IN POWER
Powerful Woman: Senator Iyabo Anisulowo Leaders of her political party, the People's Democratic Party, tried to have sexual relations with her before they allowed her to run for Senator. Switched to the All Nigerian People's Party. She is now considered a god-mother of politics in Nigeria, giving advice to all kinds of people in powerful positions.

WORKS CITED
Marriage: Nigerian Bride and Groom. Encyclopedia Britannica. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2011. <http://www.britannica.com/ E Bchecked/ m edia/ 9 2919/ A -bride-andg room-posing-with-their-wedding-guests-in>. Oche , Michael. Nigeria: Politics - Women as Underdogs. All Africa. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2011. <http://allafrica.com/ s tories/ 2 01011151601.html>. Proposed University Deg ree Minimum Requirement for Elective Offices: A Bulwark of Discrimination against Women. Nigeria Masterweb Daily News. N.p., 4 Apr. 2010. Web. 18 May 2011. <http://nigeriamasterweb.com/ b log/ i nde x.php / 2 010/ 0 4/ 0 4/ p roposed _university_deg ree_minimum_requi >. Qualls, Alyssa. Women in Nigeria Today. Post Colonial Web. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2011. <http://www.postcolonialweb.org/ n igeria/ c ontwomen.html>. Sokari . Give Women a Chance. Black Looks. N.p., 26 Apr. 2011. Web. 18 May 2011. <http://www.blacklooks.org/ 2 011/ 0 4/ t rust-me-i-amwoman/>.