In Nigeria, the question “What do women really want?” has been asked time and again, with many attempting to answer it but the conversation is far from over.
Inspired by the women’s rights movement and the struggle for better working conditions, voting rights, and gender equality, International Women’s Day (IWD) was officially recognized by the United Nations (UN) in 1977.
As we commemorate IWD 2025 under the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” The Jurist Newspaper takes a deeper look into this enduring question, exploring the aspirations, challenges, and victories of women in Nigeria.
Bridging the gap between laws and reality for Nigerian Women
Barr. Nunumaa Lesi Brownson, a lawyer and women’s rights advocate, acknowledged that progress has been made in addressing the needs and aspirations of women in Nigeria through various laws and policies.
However, she emphasized that significant gaps hinder true gender equality.
“As a female lawyer in Nigeria, I recognize the strides we have taken, with laws like the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015), the Child Rights Act (2003), and the protections enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. These policies were designed to uphold women’s rights, but the reality is that many challenges remain,” she said.
One of the pressing concerns, she noted, is the lack of clear legal frameworks for surrogacy and reproductive rights. “We need to enact or amend laws to regulate and recognize these rights, ensuring that women have the legal backing they deserve in such critical areas,” she explained.
Beyond legislation, enforcement remains a major hurdle. “Many women continue to face domestic violence, exploitation, and harassment because existing laws are not properly implemented. Societal norms and institutional gaps mean that justice is often out of reach.
“I see several urgent legal reforms that could greatly improve the lives of women,” said Barr. Brownson.
“We need stronger anti-gender-based violence laws with stricter penalties for offenders and better support systems for victims. Women also deserve equal inheritance rights to secure their economic future.
“Political representation must increase through gender quotas to ensure our voices are heard. Family law reforms should guarantee fair divorce settlements and protection for women,” Barr. Brownson noted.
Breaking cultural chains and empowering Women in Northern Nigeria
Dr. Farida Azira Abdulmalik, an advocate for gender equality, public health, and social development, highlighted the pressing challenges women in Northern Nigeria continue to face.
“In this region, women are up against a range of socio-economic and cultural barriers that hold them back. One of the biggest issues is the failure of men to take responsibility for their families.
“Too many women are left to shoulder financial and emotional burdens alone because men either refuse or are unable to fulfill their roles. This struggle often leads to economic hardship, emotional distress, and has significantly contributed to the rising rate of divorce,” she said.
She also spoke about the deep-seated oppression that many women endure.
“Cultural and societal norms continue to reinforce male dominance, making it difficult for women to have autonomy over their lives. From limiting their education and career opportunities to controlling their choices within marriage, the system is designed to keep women in the background. Just look at the case of Natasha Akpoti, it’s a clear example of how gender domination plays out in our society.”
Despite advocacy efforts, Dr. Abdulmalik noted that resistance to change remains a major challenge, stressing that communities still refuse to embrace progressive norms that empower women.
According to her, the idea of women taking leadership roles, participating in governance, or even just receiving an education is still met with pushback, emphasizing the importance of educating both boys and girls about respect, equity, and shared responsibilities at home and in society.
“Positive masculinity should be taught early so that men grow up understanding that supporting women’s rights is not a threat but a necessity. If we truly want progress, we need to move beyond conversations and take real action to create a society where women are not just surviving, but thriving.
From challenges to opportunities: Empowering Women entrepreneurs
Ms Aisha Debola Aminu, the Country Director-NIGERIA (New Faces New Voices) and President, West African Women Cross-Border Traders Association (AFOACT), emphasized that challenges are a part of life, and as a woman entrepreneur, challenges come in different forms.
“One of the biggest hurdles I faced was access to finance and financial services. At the peak of my entrepreneurial journey, the only way I could turn those challenges into opportunities was by trusting in the Creator and staying focused, working hard, being persistent, and showing resilience.
“I was eventually able to secure funding from two financial institutions, but even then, clearing my financial obligations felt almost impossible. Still, I pushed through, and today, I can proudly say I set the stage for growth,” she noted.
She advises young women entrepreneurs to take advantage of such grants, single-digit interest loans with flexible terms, and even equity participation options.
To make the most of these opportunities, She advises young women to stay focused, work hard, be persistent, and remain resilient.
According to her, women should strive to push for better infrastructure, stable electricity, good road networks, and a more enabling business environment.
“I always emphasize the importance of supporting nanopreneurs i.e those often overlooked but play a crucial role in economic development. These women usually need just ₦25,000 to ₦50,000 to start or expand their businesses, and with the right support, they can make a huge impact on both economic and social development.
“I also avoid calling it just “business” because, from my experience, business is usually classified under SMEs, whereas most women today fall under nano, micro, or macro enterprises. One of the best ways to support them is by promoting a strong savings culture, which has already started within our women’s networks, alongside financial inclusion strategies.
“But financial inclusion is more than just opening a bank account, it’s about actively using it. Women entrepreneurs must also make it a habit to upgrade their business plans, track their income, manage cash flow, and maintain a solid financial history.” Ms Aminu emphasized.
As Nigerian women continue to break barriers, demand equality, and redefine their societal roles, the answer to ‘What do women really want?’ becomes clear: a world where their rights, voices, and dreams are acknowledged and fully realized.
