Gender Discrimination and Women in Employed-Labour in Nigeria’s South-South Region

Abstract

Gender discrimination remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s labour market, particularly in the economically vital South-South region, encompassing Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers states. This study explores the extent and nature of gender-based disparities among employed women in this region, focusing on wage inequality, barriers to career advancement, and workplace harassment. Drawing on socialist feminism, as articulated by Heidi Hartmann (1979), and labour market segmentation theory, proposed by Doeringer and Piore (1971), the research investigates how the interplay of capitalist economic structures and patriarchal cultural norms sustains these inequities. A mixed-methods design was employed, integrating quantitative data from structured questionnaires administered to 1,000 women with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews conducted with a purposively selected subset. The quantitative sample was selected using stratified random sampling to ensure representation across diverse sectors, including oil and gas, agriculture, services, and informal employment. Findings reveal a stark prevalence of gender discrimination: 65% of respondents reported earning less than male counterparts for similar work, 58% encountered significant obstacles to promotion, and 42% experienced workplace harassment, with informal sectors and male-dominated industries like oil and gas showing elevated rates (e.g., 72% wage disparity in oil and gas). Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests and logistic regression, confirmed significant associations between employment sector and discrimination outcomes, with higher education levels reducing the likelihood of such experiences. Qualitative data illuminated underlying factors, such as entrenched patriarchal attitudes and the absence of effective workplace policies, which exacerbate women’s vulnerability. These results align with theoretical predictions, highlighting how economic exploitation and cultural biases marginalize women, particularly in less-regulated settings. The study underscores the urgent need for policy interventions, recommending the enforcement of equal pay laws, robust anti-harassment frameworks, and cultural initiatives to dismantle gender stereotypes. It contributes valuable evidence to the discourse on gender equity in Nigeria, advocating for longitudinal research to monitor trends and evaluate policy impacts. By addressing these disparities, this work aims to foster a more inclusive labour market in the South-South region, enhancing women’s economic empowerment and social standing