Examining gender inequality in Nigeria : a case study of women entrepreneurs in Ogun State

Based on collected interview surveys with thirty female entrepreneurs in three local government areas of Ogun State in Nigeria, this thesis examines gender inequality in opportunities as experienced by women entrepreneurs. Data collected, analyzed, and interpreted indicates systemic discrimination and marginalization against women entrepreneurs, which drastically limit their entrepreneurial talents. In Ogun State, women entrepreneurs do not have same access as men entrepreneurs to education, training, and funding opportunities. Discrimination and the marginalization of women are prevalent in Nigeria. It manifests in the high-level bias experienced by women in their everyday lives as compared to men. Nigerian women are subjected to various forms of discrimination and marginalization in their everyday, which undermines their fundamental social, political, economic, and cultural rights. The significance of women entrepreneurs on the economic development of any nation cannot be underestimated. Women play a critical role in the social and economic development of any nation, particularly in the entrepreneurship sector. This is certainly the case in Nigeria, where women constitute a substantial portion of the population. This study demonstrates that Nigerian women entrepreneurs possess the capacity to become greater contributors to economic development and bring about the long expected social change. Yet, Nigerian women entrepreneurs continue to face severe obstacles that limits their full economic potential to further contribute to the well-being of their families, communities, and societies. As such, there is an urgent need to harness Nigerian women's potential in order to advance entrepreneurship among them. This requires empowering women by increasing education, training, and funding opportunities so they can create a vibrant business environment and bring about a positive socioeconomic change. This research study identifies practical solutions to ensure equality in accessing the various benefits and opportunities available to women entrepreneurs; that is, the study outlines ways to advance gender equality by stressing the importance of women's empowerment in the journey to gender equality.Includes bibliographical references (pages 112-129)."In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Rural Development.