Perspectives of Rural older adults on Gender and Equality of Opportunities in South-Eastern Nigeria

Practice Implication for Social Workers in Nigeria

Abstract

Despite all efforts targeted at creating a gender-balanced society around the globe; with equal opportunity for all citizens through research, intervention programmes and advocacy, there has been a persistent occurrence of gender discrimination and inequality in access to opportunities in some rural areas in Nigeria. This paper aims to examine how rural men and women understand the equality of opportunity for all citizens regardless of gender disparity and highlight the barriers to achieving inclusive gender equity and national integration as this can help inform interventions and policy. Data were obtained from a sample of 38 participants in Enugu-Ezike using In-depth Interviews (IDI) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The collected data was transcribed as verbatim as possible and analysed thematically. Findings from the study showed that majority of the male participants expressed strong disapproval of giving equal opportunity to males and females, and offered traditional notions backing their stance. In addition, the female participants indicated that their local traditional justice system is unfair to women and desired redress in that regard. The study recommends continued education/sensitization programmes for the rural communities in Nigeria on value re-orientation pertaining to gender issues to be carried out by social workers and civil societies/organizations.