By Weng Dung
In Nigeria, as in many parts of the world, women have from time immemorial been an integral part of the workforce, contributing significantly to various sectors of the economy. Despite their undeniable capabilities, women across the continent often face unique challenges and barriers especially in the workplace.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), women globally are paid 20% less than men and majority of the gender wage pay may be related to sexism or gender discrimination even though sometimes it can be attributed to individual qualities like education, experience, or skill level. The situation is even worse in several African countries.
Issues of pregnancy, childbirth and caring for children or the elderly are just fewer personal reasons that frequently require more women than men to take a job break. It is clear that most times the difficulty of juggling work and home obligations prevent a lot of women from pursuing formal jobs and leadership positions due to the aforementioned challenges.
Women frequently find themselves in a bind between missing their children’s school performance, games, open day, sport day and working late hours at the office or travelling long distance for significant projects. Creating a favourable work environment for women is not only a matter of gender equality but also essential for maximizing talent, productivity, and innovation.
In recent years, Nigeria has made strides in this regard, but there is still much work to be done to ensure that women can thrive professionally without facing discrimination or limitations. Some organizations now have a hybrid style of work to enable people to work from home, have creche for nursing mothers and employed a professional care giver and HR policy that encourage women to apply for job opportunities and also ensure staff sign the anti-harassment policy.
One of the primary factors in fostering a favourable work environment for women is ensuring equal opportunities for career advancement. Historically, women in Nigeria, like in many other countries, have faced systemic barriers to climbing the corporate ladder.
However, there is growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, leading to efforts to promote gender equality in leadership positions. Companies and organization are implementing gender policies and anti-harassment policies to support women’s career development, including mentorship programs, leadership training, and initiatives to address unconscious bias in promotion decisions. Such as Sheventures by FCMB, yearly organizational strategic meetings where ideas, challenges are shared
Flexible work arrangements also play a crucial role in creating a conducive environment for women in Nigeria.
Balancing work and family responsibilities can be particularly challenging for women, especially in a society where traditional gender roles are deeply entrenched. Offering options such as remote work, flexible hours, and parental leave can help women better manage their personal and professional lives. By accommodating the diverse needs of employees, organizations not only support women but also benefit from increased employee satisfaction and retention.
Furthermore, promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity is essential for creating a safe and supportive work environment for women. Addressing issues such as sexual harassment and discrimination is paramount in ensuring that women feel valued and empowered in the workplace. Companies must implement zero-tolerance policies for harassment, provide training to employees on appropriate behaviour, and establish confidential reporting mechanisms. By fostering a culture of respect and accountability, organizations can create an environment where all employees feel safe and able to contribute their best work.
Additionally, promoting work-life balance and employee wellness initiatives can contribute to a positive work environment for women. Offering benefits such as onsite childcare facilities, wellness programs, health insurance and mental health support services can help women better manage the demands of their professional and personal lives. By prioritizing employee well-being, organizations demonstrate their commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
In conclusion, creating a favourable work environment for women in Nigeria requires concerted efforts from businesses, government agencies, and society as a whole. By promoting equal opportunities for career advancement, implementing flexible work arrangements, fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity, investing in education and skills development, and prioritizing employee well-being, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its female workforce.
Weng Dung writes from Centre for Social
