As we delve into the female employment statistics in Nigeria, a critical question emerges: What can these insights reveal about the country’s workforce dynamics and the economic empowerment of women? According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), the modeled estimates for 2010-2023 show that the female employment statistics in Nigeria provide key insights into the country’s workforce dynamics.1 The data reveals the ratio of dependents (persons aged 0 to 14 + persons aged 15 and above that are either outside the labor force or unemployed) to total employment, offering a comprehensive understanding of women’s participation in the Nigerian workforce.
Key Takeaways
- The female labor force participation rate in Nigeria is an important indicator of women’s economic empowerment.1
- Addressing the gender employment gap in Nigeria can contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.1
- Understanding the challenges faced by Nigerian women in the workplace is crucial for developing targeted interventions.1
- Promoting gender equality in Nigerian employment can enhance career prospects for women and foster a more equitable labor market.1
- Analyzing the female unemployment rate in Nigeria can help identify areas of opportunity for economic empowerment.1
Nigeria’s Thriving Female Entrepreneurship
The entrepreneurial spirit is strong among Nigerian women, as they account for 41% of micro-business ownership in the country.2 According to PwC Nigeria’s report, there are 23 million female entrepreneurs operating within the micro-business segment, placing Nigeria among the highest entrepreneurship rates globally.3 However, this high-level participation of female entrepreneurs is often driven mainly by necessity, which is a common trend in emerging markets where there is insufficient formal employment.3
Women Account for 41% of Micro-Business Ownership
Women account for 41% of ownership of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, demonstrating their significant contribution to the country’s entrepreneurial landscape.2
23 Million Female Entrepreneurs Operating in Micro-Businesses
According to the data, there are 23 million female entrepreneurs operating within the micro-business segment in Nigeria, showcasing the country’s thriving female entrepreneurship.3
Necessity-Driven Entrepreneurship Fuels High Participation
The high-level participation of female entrepreneurs in Nigeria is often driven by necessity due to the lack of formal employment opportunities, a common trend observed in emerging markets.3
Women’s Workforce Representation Across Sectors
The PwC Nigeria report reveals important insights into the representation of women in the Nigerian workforce across different sectors. At the lower levels of formal employment, there is an almost even 50-50 split between men and women.4 However, as both sexes climb up the corporate ladder, women begin to decline in representation on the senior leadership teams and at the board level, indicating a gender disparity in career advancement opportunities.
Even Gender Split at Lower Levels of Formal Employment
The data shows that at the entry-level and junior positions in the formal sector, there is an almost equal representation of women and men. This suggests that women’s labor force participation in Nigeria is relatively high, and they are actively engaged in the workforce, particularly in the lower tiers of employment.
Declining Female Representation in Senior Leadership Roles
However, as employees progress through the organizational hierarchy, the representation of women begins to decline. The PwC Nigeria report indicates that the gender employment gap in Nigeria widens as women face challenges in advancing to senior leadership roles and board positions. This gender disparity in career mobility opportunities highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the barriers that hinder female employment by sector in Nigeria and ensure equitable career progression for women.
The rural-urban divide in female employment in Nigeria and the education level and female employment in Nigeria are also factors that contribute to the Nigerian female employment data and the observed gender disparities in the workforce. Addressing these gender equality employment challenges is crucial for career opportunities for women in Nigeria and unlocking the full potential of professional opportunities for Nigerian women.
Female Employment Statistics for Nigeria
The female employment statistics for Nigeria provide a comprehensive understanding of women’s participation in the country’s workforce.5 The data reveals the labor force participation rates by gender, unemployment rates among Nigerian women, and the sectoral distribution of employed women.6 This information is crucial for assessing the economic empowerment of women and identifying areas of opportunity for improving gender equality in the Nigerian labor market.
Labor Force Participation Rates by Gender
The female labor force participation rate in Nigeria highlights the active involvement of women in the country’s workforce.6 However, there is still a noticeable gender employment gap, with the national financial inclusion rate being 58.9% for women compared to 67.4% for men, leaving an 8.5% disparity.6 Addressing this gap and promoting equal opportunities for women in the labor market is crucial for achieving greater gender equality in Nigeria.
Unemployment Rates Among Nigerian Women
The female unemployment rate in Nigeria remains a significant concern, with women constituting over 60% of the country’s poorest people.6 This highlights the need for targeted interventions to enhance the economic opportunities and inclusion of Nigerian women in the workforce.6 Addressing the barriers and challenges faced by women in securing employment can contribute to reducing the overall unemployment rate and promoting inclusive economic growth.
Sectoral Distribution of Employed Women
The data on the sectoral distribution of employed women in Nigeria provides insights into the various industries and occupations where women are represented.5 The research findings suggest a positive association between engaging in informal sector activities and childbearing, while formal sector employment showed a conflict between fertility and female employment.5 This underscores the importance of creating an enabling environment that supports the work-life balance of Nigerian women and promotes their participation in both formal and informal economic activities.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Female labor force participation rate | 58.9% |
| Male labor force participation rate | 67.4% |
| Gender gap in financial inclusion | 8.5% |
| Percentage of women among the poorest people | Over 60% |
| Female enrollment in adult/basic literacy education | 48.49% – 49.19% (2016-2019) |
| Out-of-school rate for girls | 32% |
| Government spending on education | 7.41% (2017) to 6.9% (2020) |
| Women’s earnings compared to men’s in Northern Nigeria | 65% |
Barriers and Challenges to Women’s Economic Empowerment
Despite the progress made in women’s participation in the Nigerian workforce, significant barriers and challenges persist that hinder their economic empowerment. One such obstacle is the persistent gender wage gap, which indicates that women in Nigeria earn 77 cents for every dollar men earn for the same work.7 This disparity not only undervalues the contributions of women but also perpetuates gender inequality in the Nigerian labor market.
Occupational Segregation and Limited Career Mobility
Another significant challenge faced by Nigerian women is the issue of occupational segregation and limited career mobility. Despite an almost even 50-50 split between men and women at the lower levels of formal employment, women’s representation begins to decline as they climb the corporate ladder, hindering their ability to reach senior leadership roles.7 This gender employment disparity further exacerbates the barriers to women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria.
| Barrier | Impact |
|---|---|
| Gender Wage Gap | Nigerian women earn 77 cents for every dollar men earn for the same work.7 |
| Occupational Segregation and Limited Career Mobility | Women’s representation declines at senior leadership levels, despite an even split at lower employment tiers.7 |
| Barriers to Female Employment | Nigeria ranks 122nd out of 144 countries in closing the gender gap.7 |
| Challenges Faced by Working Women | One in every three Nigerian women has experienced physical and/or sexual violence.7 |
These barriers to female employment and the challenges faced by working women in Nigeria further contribute to the gender inequality in the country’s labor market, hindering the economic empowerment of Nigerian women. Addressing these issues through targeted interventions and policy reforms will be crucial in promoting greater gender equality and unlocking the full potential of the female workforce.
Education and Skills Development for Nigerian Women
Improving the education and skills development of Nigerian women is crucial for enhancing their economic empowerment and participation in the workforce. The data shows that 7.6 million girls in Nigeria are Out of School (OOS), with 3.9 million at the primary level and 3.7 million at the junior secondary level.8 More than 50% of girls are not attending school at the basic education level in Nigeria.8
Literacy Rates and Educational Attainment
While the gender gap in financial inclusion in Nigeria is 8.5% lower for women compared to men,6 the data also reveals geographical educational disparities. In the north, two-thirds of girls aged 15-19 cannot read or write, compared to 10% in the south.6 Addressing these literacy and educational attainment challenges will be crucial for empowering Nigerian women and enabling their economic inclusion.
Vocational Training and Skill-Building Initiatives
Alongside improving literacy and formal education, the availability and accessibility of vocational training and skill-building programs aimed at Nigerian women can play a significant role in equipping them with the necessary competencies to thrive in the labor market.6 The data shows that female enrollment in adult/basic literacy education in Nigeria has fluctuated, ranging from 48.49% in 2016 to 49.19% in 2019.6 Expanding these skill-building initiatives can help address the barriers to female employment in Nigeria and empower working women.
Government Policies and Programs for Women’s Employment
The Nigerian government’s policies and programs aimed at promoting women’s employment and economic empowerment are crucial for addressing the gender disparities in the labor market.9 These initiatives can include legislation, funding, and support mechanisms that create an enabling environment for women to actively participate in the workforce and overcome the barriers they face.9 Understanding the government’s efforts and their impact on improving gender equality in employment is essential for identifying areas of progress and potential areas for further intervention.
The Nigerian government has taken several steps to empower Nigerian women economically.9 In 2023, the government launched the National Policy on Women’s Economic Empowerment, which aims to create opportunities for Nigerian women breadwinners and promote gender equality in employment.9 UN Women in Nigeria also actively promotes affirmative procurement policies and laws to support women-owned businesses, further enhancing the economic empowerment of Nigerian women.9
Additionally, the government has implemented initiatives such as the Women’s Economic Empowerment through Digitally Supported Climate Smart Agriculture program, which aims to close the gender gap in agricultural productivity and income for women smallholder farmers.9 The Rural Women’s Empowerment through the integration of Biogas production project also aims to empower rural women and reduce their reliance on biomass energy sources.9 These programs demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by women in different sectors and promoting their economic inclusion.
The government has also collaborated with various organizations, including the ILO, UNIDO, FAO, the Bureau of Public Procurement, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency, and legislative assemblies, to further strengthen its efforts in promoting women’s employment and gender equality in employment in Nigeria.9 Additionally, the government’s Social Protection initiative promotes gender-responsive macroeconomic policies and progressive tax reforms to support the economic empowerment of Nigerian women.9
The government’s commitment to empowering Nigerian women economically is further evidenced by its collaboration with partners like the African Development Bank, Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa, Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative, and the Central Bank of Nigeria, which aims to enhance access to financing for women entrepreneurs in the country.9 These partnerships demonstrate the government’s holistic approach to addressing the barriers faced by Nigerian women breadwinners and promoting their active participation in the workforce.
Rural-Urban Divide in Women’s Labor Force Participation
The female employment statistics in Nigeria reveal a significant rural-urban divide in women’s labor force participation.10 Rural women workers often face unique challenges, such as limited access to education, skills training, and economic opportunities, which can hinder their ability to secure stable employment and achieve economic empowerment.10
Challenges Faced by Rural Women Workers
Our data shows that women in rural areas of Nigeria encounter various obstacles that limit their economic participation and advancement. These include a lack of access to educational resources, vocational training, and financial services that could empower them to pursue income-generating activities.10 Additionally, the prevailing gender norms and cultural expectations in rural communities can further constrain the opportunities available to women, leading to occupational segregation and restricted career mobility.10
Opportunities for Economic Empowerment in Rural Areas
Despite the challenges, there are significant opportunities to support the economic empowerment of women in Nigeria’s rural areas. By implementing targeted interventions and initiatives, we can leverage the entrepreneurial spirit of rural women and address the specific barriers they face.10 This could involve providing access to skills training, financial services, and market linkages, as well as promoting gender-inclusive policies and programs that create a more enabling environment for women’s economic participation in rural communities.10
Bridging the rural-urban divide in women’s labor force participation is crucial for achieving greater gender equality and unlocking the economic potential of Nigerian women, especially those residing in rural areas.10 By addressing the unique challenges faced by rural women workers and capitalizing on the opportunities for their economic empowerment, we can foster inclusive and sustainable development across the country.10
Women’s Contribution to Nigeria’s Economic Development
The employment and economic participation of women in Nigeria have a significant impact on the country’s overall economic development. The data shows that women’s employment contributes to higher household incomes, as they often serve as primary or supplementary breadwinners.11 Additionally, the active involvement of Nigerian women in the workforce, particularly in entrepreneurial activities, plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and fostering greater gender equality in the labor market.11
Impact of Women’s Employment on Household Incomes
The data reveals that women’s economic empowerment is linked to their ability to demand human rights and resources, leading to household spending that benefits children.11 When women have access to economic opportunities and control over resources, it positively impacts the well-being of their families and contributes to the overall development of the Nigerian economy.11
Role of Women in Driving Economic Growth
Furthermore, the active participation of Nigerian women in the workforce, particularly in entrepreneurial activities, plays a crucial role in driving economic growth.11 The data shows that rural women in Nigeria contribute 60-80% of the labor force in agriculture and rural development, highlighting their significant contribution to the nation’s economic development.11 Additionally, women’s economic inclusion and gender equality in the labor market can have a positive impact on various societal indicators and reduce wider gender gaps in education and labor force participation.11
Emerging Trends in Women’s Employment in Nigeria
The female employment statistics in Nigeria reveal exciting emerging trends that highlight the evolving dynamics of women’s participation in the workforce. We are witnessing a remarkable rise in female entrepreneurship and self-employment, with Nigerian women accounting for an impressive 41% of micro-business ownership in the country.12 This entrepreneurial spirit is further reflected in the staggering 23 million female entrepreneurs operating within the micro-business segment, making Nigeria a global leader in this domain.12
Alongside the rise of female entrepreneurship, we are also seeing an increasing presence of women in non-traditional sectors, breaking down gender-based occupational segregation.12 This shift towards broader economic opportunities not only empowers Nigerian women but also contributes to the country’s overall economic growth and development.
These emerging trends underscore the resilience and adaptability of Nigerian women, as they continue to seize new opportunities and challenge traditional gender norms in the job market.12 By embracing entrepreneurship and diversifying their participation across various industries, women in Nigeria are redefining the landscape of economic empowerment and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable workforce.
Cultural and Social Norms Impacting Women’s Employment
The female employment statistics in Nigeria must be examined within the context of the country’s cultural and social norms, which can significantly impact women’s participation in the workforce.13 These norms and expectations play a crucial role in shaping the barriers and challenges that working women face in Nigeria.
Gender Roles and Expectations in Nigerian Society
In Nigerian society, traditional gender roles and expectations often confine women to the domestic sphere, limiting their economic opportunities and advancement.13 Patriarchal norms and the perceived primary responsibilities of women as homemakers and caregivers can create significant barriers to their full participation in the labor market.13
Work-Life Balance Challenges for Working Women
The cultural and social norms in Nigeria also contribute to the work-life balance challenges faced by working women.13 The disproportionate burden of domestic duties and childcare responsibilities often placed on women can make it challenging for them to maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives, limiting their ability to fully commit to their careers.13
Understanding these societal influences is crucial for developing comprehensive strategies to promote gender equality in the Nigerian labor market.13 By addressing the cultural and social norms that impact women’s employment, we can create an enabling environment that empowers Nigerian women to participate in the workforce and contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.
International Comparisons and Best Practices
Examining the female employment statistics in Nigeria within an international context can provide valuable insights and lessons for improving gender equality in the workforce. Comparing the labor force participation rates of women in Nigeria to those of neighboring countries can highlight areas of strength and identify opportunities for improvement.14 Additionally, studying the best practices and successful initiatives implemented by global leaders in promoting gender equality can inform policy decisions and strategic interventions in Nigeria to enhance the economic empowerment of women.14
Women’s Labor Force Participation in Neighboring Countries
Analyzing the women’s labor force participation rates in Nigeria’s neighboring countries can reveal important regional trends and benchmarks for improving gender equality in the workforce.14 Understanding how Nigeria’s performance compares to its peers can inform targeted efforts to address the persistent gender employment gap and boost women’s economic inclusion.14
Lessons from Global Leaders in Gender Equality
Examining the best practices and successful initiatives implemented by global leaders in promoting gender equality can provide valuable insights for Nigeria.14 Studying how other countries have addressed barriers to women’s employment, enhanced their career advancement opportunities, and fostered a more inclusive work environment can inform policy decisions and strategic interventions in Nigeria.14
Promoting Gender Equality in the Nigerian Workforce
Promoting gender equality in the Nigerian workforce requires a multifaceted approach that combines advocacy, awareness, and targeted initiatives.12 While 45.5% of the Nigerian labor force is female according to the World Bank in 2019,12 more can be done to ensure that women have equal opportunities and are empowered to contribute fully to the country’s economic growth.
Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns
Advocacy and awareness campaigns play a crucial role in challenging gender stereotypes, addressing biases, and fostering a more inclusive and equitable work environment.13 These efforts can help highlight the important contributions of Nigerian women in the workforce and promote a culture of gender equality.13 By raising awareness and advocating for change, we can drive meaningful progress towards eliminating the gender employment gap and empowering Nigerian working women.
Workplace Policies and Initiatives for Gender Inclusivity
The implementation of workplace policies and programs that prioritize gender diversity, equal opportunities, and work-life balance can significantly contribute to the economic empowerment of Nigerian women and the overall advancement of gender equality in the labor market.13 These initiatives can include, but are not limited to, fair hiring and promotion practices, flexible work arrangements, and targeted training and development programs for female employees.13 By creating an enabling environment that fosters gender inclusivity, we can unlock the full potential of Nigerian women and drive progress towards a more equitable workforce.
Female Employment Statistics in Nigeria – Key Takeaways
The female employment statistics in Nigeria provide a comprehensive understanding of women’s participation in the country’s workforce. Key takeaways from the data include the significant presence of female entrepreneurs in the micro-business sector,6 the relatively even gender split at lower levels of formal employment, the declining representation of women in senior leadership roles, the persistent gender wage gap,6 and the rural-urban divide in women’s labor force participation.6 These insights highlight the progress made, as well as the ongoing challenges and opportunities for enhancing the economic empowerment of Nigerian women.
The data reveals that women constitute over 60% of the poorest people in Nigeria,6 indicating a significant gender disparity in poverty levels. Additionally, female enrollment in adult/basic literacy education in Nigeria fluctuated between 48.49% in 2016, 45.57% in 2017, and 50.48% in 2018.6 Furthermore, the primary education completion rate for girls is lower than that of boys, with around 66% of girls completing compared to over 80% for boys.6
Geographically, women in southern Nigeria have better access to education compared to those in the north, with a significant literacy gap between the regions.6 This disparity is further exacerbated by the fact that women in northern Nigeria earn just 65% of men’s earnings due to lower wages and opportunities.6
The government’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment also plays a crucial role in enhancing their participation in economic activities.6 However, the data shows that Nigeria’s government spent only 7.41% of the total budget on education in 2017, falling short of the UNESCO recommended standard of 15% to 20%.6 This lack of investment in education, coupled with the high rates of early marriage in Nigeria,6 has hindered the economic opportunities and career prospects for Nigerian women.
To address these challenges, gender-inclusive economic development policies, programs, and projects are essential for women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria.6 However, the effectiveness of these initiatives is often hindered by a lack of monitoring and evaluation.6
The female employment statistics in Nigeria highlight the progress made, as well as the ongoing challenges and opportunities for enhancing the economic empowerment of Nigerian women. By addressing these issues through targeted interventions and policy reforms, Nigeria can harness the full potential of its female workforce and drive sustainable economic growth that benefits all.
Conclusion
The female employment statistics in Nigeria provide a multifaceted understanding of the country’s workforce dynamics and the economic empowerment of women. The data reveals the thriving entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerian women, with12 45.5% of the Nigerian labor force being female. We also see progress in workforce representation at lower levels, with an almost even 50-50 split between men and women.11
However, the data also highlights the persistent gender disparities in senior leadership roles, indicating the need for targeted interventions to address the barriers and challenges that hinder women’s full economic participation.11 Factors such as women’s age, educational level, marital status, and place of residence are significantly associated with their employment status.11
By addressing these issues through strategic policy reforms, educational and skills development initiatives, and societal shifts that promote gender equality, Nigeria can harness the full potential of its female workforce and drive sustainable economic growth that benefits all.15 Continuous efforts to create an enabling environment for women’s employment, enhance their economic empowerment, and foster gender-inclusive workplaces will be crucial in achieving this goal.12
References:
- https://ojs.ibbujournals.com.ng/index.php/lijad/article/download/908/901
- https://fsdhmerchantbank.com/2023/11/22/empowering-the-female-economy-the-impact-of-nigerian-female-entrepreneurs-on-the-economy/
- https://moniepoint.com/blog/challenges-women-entrepreneurs-face-in-nigeria
- https://nigeria.actionaid.org/news/2024/press-statement-womens-month-accelerating-gender-equality
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12267539/
- https://drpcngr.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/FACTSHEET-ON-WOMEN_S-ECONOMIC-PARTICIPATION-IN-NIGERIA1.pdf
- https://www.dataphyte.com/latest-reports/development/5-gender-challenges-nigerian-women-face/
- https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/media/7741/file/UNICEF Nigeria Cheat Sheet – Girls Education.pdf
- https://africa.unwomen.org/en/where-we-are/west-and-central-africa/nigeria/women-economic-empowerment
- https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/pdfuploads/LSMS-ISA (General Household Survey Panel) – Gender Dimensions.pdf
- https://www.cbn.gov.ng/out/2016/sd/spatial analysis of women employment status in nigeria.pdf
- https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5d9b5c88e5274a5a148b40e5/597_Gender_Roles_in_Nigerian_Labour_Market.pdf
- http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2077-49072022000100003
- https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/234681037.pdf
- https://www.ajrh.info/index.php/ajrh/article/view/172/0
