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In Nigeria, understanding gender equality is very important, especially for teenagers and young people. Gender refers to socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities and attributes that are considered appropriate for male and females. Gender equality means that men and women, boys and girls have the same rights and opportunities in life. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, and that’s what we call gender inequality. Let’s explore this here and see how it affects our lives and what we can do about it.
Gender inequality happens when people have fewer opportunities or are treated unfairly just because of their gender. This can be seen in different areas like jobs, education, and even in families👪. In many places, girls and women might have fewer chances than boys and men.
In families, friendships👫, and communities, people often have different amounts of power💪, and this can be linked to gender. For example, in some families, men might make most of the decisions, which can leave women and girls with less power. This imbalance can also happen among friends or in communities.
Gender norms begin to influence our lives from the moment we are born. Some of the factors include the following —
When there’s gender inequality, it can lead to harmful results, like gender-based violence (GBV). This means violence that happens because of someone’s gender. It can be physical, emotional, or even about control and power. GBV is a serious problem that can hurt people’s bodies and feelings.
Everyone, including boys, girls, men, and women, has a role in fighting gender inequality. It’s important to believe that we can all make a difference. By working together, we can create a world where everyone is treated equally, no matter their gender. Gender norms can be taught and also learnt.
There are many ways to promote gender equality in our daily lives. At home, we can make sure everyone has a say in decisions. In schools, we can encourage both boys and girls to study and participate in all activities. In the community, we can speak up when we see gender inequality and support programs that help everyone have the same chances. As a girl, know that you can participate in any sports you want. Asisat Oshoala is a Nigerian professional footballer⚽️ and she plays for the Nigerian female national team and also for Barcelona FC in Spain. A guy can choose to be a nurse if that is what he wants. It is a gender stereotype to assume that only females can be nurses.
Gender inequality can also affect people’s sexual behaviour and the risks they face. For instance, if one person in a relationship has more power, they might pressure the other person into doing things they’re not comfortable with. This can include not using protection during sex or not accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. These situations can lead to risks like sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unplanned pregnancies.
When there’s gender inequality, it can be hard for people, especially women and girls, to make safe choices about their bodies. For example, they might feel they can’t ask to use a condom or go for health check-ups. It’s important to understand that everyone has the right to make choices about their own body and health.
If you or someone you know is facing sexual coercion, abuse, or GBV, it’s really important to get help. There are many organisations and helplines where you can get support. Remember, it’s not your fault, and you have the right to be safe. Check our Get Help section for more information.
In summary, gender equality is about giving everyone, regardless of their gender, the same chances and respect. In Nigeria, understanding and acting on this can help young people create a fairer and safer environment for themselves and others. By learning about gender equality, promoting it in our relationships, and helping those who face gender inequality, we can make a big difference in our communities and our country.
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