The Impact of Gender Issues on Sustainable Development

1.1 Statement of problem

Feminists and advocates have, since the United Nations declaration of 1975 through 1985, “Decade for Women’ continued the movement for gender equality as a way to end gender discrimination [[13]]. On the other hand, even though existing situations that create discrimination against women remain unresolved, new and frightening challenges seem to be emerging [[10]]. One of such startling challenges was put forward by [[8]] stating that women (wives and mothers) fail to perform their responsibilities effectively, and their roles have been largely neglected. The consequence of all these to the family institution and the larger society is that women’s socialization role in passing societal values to children right from infant, which usually assists in regulating behaviour in the community, is critically insufficient [[8]]. This reveals the apparent reasons for the destruction of societal values, which are evident in many cultures in recent times. Cultural and moral African values are commonly instilled from home. That is, the institution of the family is no more. Hence, moral bankruptcy has become the order of the day due to the family system’s failure, which has dramatically impeded living and development standards.

Most importantly, regarding this study, the duty, spirit of patriotism, and tolerance are much needed for developments but sufficiently lacking in our societal values. As was noted by [[13]], all these are consequences of colonialization and the ongoing modernization process experienced by most African nations. This process has significantly affected in a negative way the institution of family in Africa.

1.2 Study objectives

This study’s general objective is to look at gender issues in Africa and Nigeria, particularly how it has affected development hitherto. Furthermore, this paper attempts to create a sense of value on each gender’s roles, especially the female folk, and suggest policy recommendations.

2. Problem formulation
3. 2.1 The concept of gender
   The concept of gender connotes the culturally and socially constructed roles with both men and women in society [[2]]. He further noted that gender as a social construct is learned, and gender role play and judgment are also learned via socialization that existed before they were born. Several social attributes and privileges connected with being male and female are also issues relating to gender. Power relations in human society are defined by gender and also societal expectations, acceptable behaviors, and values at a particular time [[14]].
   From the definition above, gender can be seen as a social construct, a socialization product where persons learned societal expectations as either males or females. Although it is seen as defining power relations, it is essential to note that what is valued and allowed in a man or a woman in a particular situation is determined by gender. To further buttress, this is why an individual’s sex, which is a natural attribute, determines society’s socialization. The biological makeup goes a long way in defining each individual’s capabilities and the roles that can be best played by each sex and, in this case, gender. However, this has been highly debated. This paper seeks to show the value of each ascribed gender role and how it can significantly contribute to society’s development if respected.