Abstract:
The Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women serves as a legal framework saddled with the responsibility of addressing issues related to all forms of gender inequality and gender-based violence. However, in recent times, there have been debates and arguments raised by scholars concerning its adaptability in different societies, especially the Nigerian context, considering the challenges posed by the diverse cultures that characterise the nation. The paper evaluates CEDAW within the Nigerian context by drawing on existing literature and scholarship. It is established that internal factors, such as the gendered nature of the Nigerian constitution, and external factors, such as the misinterpretation of local practices and culture by international advocacy bodies, have hampered the smooth implementation of CEDAW in Nigeria. Using historical methodology, which involves the use of a thematic approach and textual analysis, the study finds that contextual analysis and an in-depth understanding of the dynamics that characterise various societies are essential to the implementation of CEDAW at local levels in Nigeria.
Keywords: Women, Gender Equality, Gender discrimination, Women’s rights, Patriarchy
