Work

The need for a national legislation for the protection of women from workplace discrimination in Nigeria: Lessons from the existing UK legal framework

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Sex discrimination is a barrier to female progression in the workplace. Nigeria, a member nation of the United Nations is committed to the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and have adopted the Sustainable Development Goals to achieve gender equality. This study will examine the legal framework on sex discrimination in Nigeria to determine the suitability of the available laws in protecting women when they have become victims of sex discrimination at work. In doing this, the study will analyse the current situation of women in Nigeria and some of the practices that discriminate against them and will highlight the need for a robust law to protect them and promote equality. The study will also examine the legal framework of the United Kingdom sex discrimination laws as a benchmark and with a view for learning lessons from the United Kingdom. The study found that the existing sex discrimination laws in Nigeria are inadequate to protect women and girls, highlighting the need for robust national legislation to safeguard them when they become victims of workplace discrimination. The study proposes enacting comprehensive legislation for effective implementation and enforcement, along with adopting non-policy measures to eliminate discrimination and promote workplace equality.

Source: International Journal of Discrimination and the Law

DOI: 10.1177/13582291251322180

Author: Onyeka C Okongwu

Institution: Liverpool Hope University

Language: English

Topic: Discrimination and Equality Law

Subfield: Law

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650