THE ROLE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN NIGERIA

This brief presents emerging evidence on the role the private sector can play in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in Nigeria by highlighting the key measures companies can take to move beyond traditional corporate social responsibility to combine profits with gender progress. Realizing the growing need for gender equality is also germane to the survival and development of girls and the building of healthy communities, a healthy society, and a healthy nation. The economic empowerment of women simply cannot be achieved without the engagement of the private sector. If the expected growth benefits are to occur and if the programs that support women’s successful engagement are to be sustained, then it is necessary to integrate female inclusion into the actual systems of businesses.