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GENDER, LAND OWNERSHIP, AND DEVELOPMENT: A SOCIAL RELATIONS 

ANALYSIS OF WOMEN'S EXPERIENCES IN IGBOLAND, NIGERIA. 

 

Hyginus Chibuike Ezebuilo        PeterSixtus Emenike 

Department of Philosophy,     & University of Westminster, London. 

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. 

 

Abstract 

Gender inequality remains a major impediment to inclusive development worldwide, and 

Nigeria and Igboland in particular exemplifies this reality in complex ways. Although the 

nation possesses abundant human and natural resources, systemic gender disparities have 

hindered its socio-economic transformation. This article uses the Social Relations Approach 

(SRA) to examine how gender inequality in Igboland, Southeast Nigeria, limits socio-

economic development, with a focus on women’s access to and ownership of land. Despite 

Nigeria’s legal frameworks, such as the 1978 Land Use Act, which offers gender-neutral land 

ownership rights, traditional customs in Igboland favor men in land inheritance. The study 

highlights how institutional frameworks—state, market, community, and family—reinforce 

gender disparities, often overlooking the structural inequalities that prevent women from 

acquiring land. At the community level, customary laws rooted in Igbo culture further limit 

women’s access to land by favoring men in inheritance and land-related rituals. The research 

also reveals how these gender-based barriers extend to economic and political participation, 

limiting women’s financial independence and decision-making power. Using Kabeer’s SRA 

framework, the study suggests key reforms, including restructuring policy implementation, 

training, advocacy, and promoting gender redistributive laws. It emphasizes the role of 

collective action, grassroots organizations, and community engagement in challenging gender-

insensitive cultural practices. The article argues that addressing these systemic barriers will not 

only improve women’s access to land but also advance broader socio-economic development 

in Nigeria by fostering gender equality in critical sectors. 

Key words: Gender inequality, Gender redistributive policies, Land ownership, Social 

Relations Approach (SRA). 

Nigeria: Geographical, Socio-economic situation with special reference to the Igbos of 

South eastern Nigeria. 

Nigeria, is a nation of immense diversity, complexity, and contradictions. It is the most 

populous country in Africa and the sixth most populous in the world, with an estimated 

population of 237.5 million (World Population Review, 2025). As a federation comprising 36 

states and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and culturally diverse 

nation, home to over 250 ethnic groups, each with distinct languages, traditions, and socio-

political structures (The World Bank Group, 2023). Despite its vast human and natural resource 

wealth, Nigeria grapples with profound socio-economic and political challenges, including 

poverty, gender inequality, ethnic tensions, and governance deficits. 

Nigeria is situated in West Africa, bordered by Benin to the west, Niger to the north, Chad to 

the northeast, and Cameroon to the east, with the Atlantic Ocean forming its southern coastline. 



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Covering approximately 923,768 square kilometers, Nigeria’s geography is highly varied, 

featuring coastal plains, tropical rainforests, savannas, and semi-arid regions in the far north 

(Central Intelligence Agency [CIA], 2023). 

Nigeria’s three largest ethnic groups—Hausa-Fulani (north), Yoruba (southwest), and Igbo 

(southeast)—compete for political and economic dominance. Religious divides (51% Muslim, 

46% Christian) further complicate national cohesion (Pulse newspaper (2025). 

The southern region, particularly the Niger Delta, is characterized by mangrove swamps and 

dense rainforests, which support agriculture and oil exploration—Nigeria’s primary revenue 

source. Moving northward, the landscape transitions into the fertile Middle Belt, known for its 

agricultural productivity, before giving way to the arid Sahel and Sahara Desert in the extreme 

north. 

Nigeria’s climate varies from the tropical monsoon in the south to a hot, dry Sahelian climate 

in the north. The south experiences heavy rainfall (up to 4,000 mm annually), supporting cash 

crops like cocoa, rubber, and palm oil (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], 2022). In 

contrast, the north faces recurring droughts and desertification, exacerbating food insecurity 

and farmer-herder conflicts. 

Environmental degradation, particularly in the Niger Delta due to oil spills and gas flaring, has 

devastated local ecosystems and livelihoods. Climate change further intensifies these 

challenges, with rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and flooding displacing thousands 

annually (United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP], 2023). 

Nigeria’s population is not only large but also rapidly growing, with a fertility rate of 5.3 

children per woman (World Bank, 2023). This demographic explosion strains infrastructure, 

healthcare, and education systems. Urbanization is accelerating, with cities like Lagos (Africa’s 

largest metropolis), Kano, and Port Harcourt experiencing overcrowding, housing shortages, 

and unemployment. 

Despite economic potential, poverty remains pervasive. As of 2023, 40% of Nigerians 

(approximately 83 million people) lived below the poverty line, while another 25% (53 million) 

were classified as vulnerable (The World Bank Group, 2023). The World Bank projects that 

by 2024, an additional 7.7 million Nigerians will fall into extreme poverty, driven by 

unemployment, inflation, and inadequate social services. 

On the socio-economic realities, Nigeria’s economy is the largest in Africa by GDP, yet it 

remains heavily dependent on crude oil, which accounts for over 90% of export earnings and 

60% of government revenue (International Monetary Fund [IMF], 2023). This over-reliance 

on oil has stifled diversification, leaving sectors like agriculture and manufacturing 

underdeveloped. 

The informal sector dominates employment, with over 80% of Nigerians engaged in small-

scale trade, subsistence farming, and artisanal work (International Labour Organization [ILO], 

2023). However, informal workers lack social protections, fair wages, and job security. Youth 

unemployment stands at 42.5%, fuelling social unrest and migration (National Bureau of 

Statistics [NBS], 2023). 



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In addition, education disparities persist across regions and genders. While literacy rates have 

improved to 62% (UNESCO, 2023), northern states lag behind due to cultural resistance, 

inadequate infrastructure, and insurgency (e.g., Boko Haram’s attacks on schools). Girls’ 

enrolment remains low in the north, where early marriage and patriarchal norms prevail. 

Nigeria’s Human Development Index (HDI) ranking is 163 out of 191 countries (UNDP, 2023), 

reflecting poor healthcare access, malnutrition, and high maternal mortality (512 deaths per 

100,000 live births) (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). 

Gender disparities in Nigeria are stark. The Global Gender Gap Index (2023) ranks Nigeria 

123rd out of 153 countries, a decline from 94th in 2006 (World Economic Forum, 2023). Key 

issues include: 

 Economic Disparities: Women constitute 60% of Nigeria’s informal workforce but 

earn significantly less than men (British Council Nigeria, 2012). 

 Political Underrepresentation: Only 3.6% of parliamentary seats are held by women 

(UN Women, 2023). 

 Education Gaps: Girls in northern Nigeria have a 47% secondary school completion 

rate compared to 77% for boys (UNICEF, 2023). 

 Health Inequities: Maternal mortality is exacerbated by limited access to healthcare, 

especially in rural areas. 

Nigeria operates a federal system, but power remains centralized, exacerbating ethnic and 

regional tensions. Since independence in 1960, Nigeria has oscillated between military rule 

and fragile democracy.  

The Igbo, predominantly in the southeast, have historically been traders, entrepreneurs, and 

educators. Pre-colonial Igbo society was decentralized, organized around village republics 

(Ofo title system) and age-grade governance (Afigbo, 1981). However, British colonialism 

imposed centralized structures, disrupting traditional systems. 

The Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), sparked by Igbo secession (Biafra), left deep scars. Post-

war policies like the "Abandoned Property" decree marginalized Igbo businesses, while 

structural imbalances persist in federal appointments and infrastructure allocation (Nwogu, 

2015). 

Despite these challenges, Igboland thrives commercially, with cities like Onitsha (West 

Africa’s largest market), Aba (manufacturing hub), and Enugu (administrative center) driving 

regional trade.  

Today, Igboland has an extensive network of urban centers like Enugu, Aba, Onitsha, and 

Owerri, known for commerce, education, and manufacturing. Despite this, economic 

development has often been hampered by infrastructural neglect and political marginalization, 

which also reflect broader patterns of inequality—especially gendered inequality. 

From the foregoing it is evident that Nigeria’s geographical diversity, socio-economic 

challenges, and complex political landscape present both obstacles and opportunities. While 



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the country possesses immense potential, systemic issues, poverty, gender inequality, ethnic 

tensions, and governance failures, hinder progress.  

Coming to gender inequality, “women in Nigeria face several challenges because of social, 

cultural, and institutional factors” (British Council Nigeria, 2012). Gender inequality can be 

seen in employment, mortality rates, school drop-out rate and the proportion of women in 

elected and appointed posts in government. 

Gender inequality continues to hinder global progress toward inclusive development, and 

Nigeria—particularly the Igbo-speaking south-eastern region—demonstrates this challenge in 

multifaceted ways. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality, deeply rooted cultural norms, 

economic disparities, and political exclusion perpetuate gender-based discrimination. In 

Nigeria, women face systemic barriers in education, employment, and leadership, with only 

3.6% of parliamentary seats held by women (UN Women, 2023). The Igbo society, 

traditionally entrepreneurial and egalitarian in pre-colonial times, now grapples with 

patriarchal structures that limit women’s autonomy. For instance, land inheritance often 

favours male heirs, and women’s participation in governance remains minimal. Additionally, 

girls in rural Igboland frequently drop out of school due to early marriages or financial 

constraints Economic opportunities for women are further restricted by limited access to credit 

and discriminatory workplace practices. While Igbo women dominate informal trade, their 

contributions are undervalued in formal economic metrics. Addressing these disparities 

requires legal reforms, gender-sensitive policies, and grassroots empowerment initiatives to 

dismantle structural biases and foster equitable development. 

Objectives of the study 

This paper will examine,  

1. How institutions work and interact with one another to create, maintain, and reinforce gender 

inequality, and how this prevents women in Igboland, southeast Nigeria, from accessing and 

owning landed assets. 

2. How policies and laws could be created to elevate women's status in Igboland in terms of 

property ownership. 

3. Women's ability to challenge their subjugation collectively and the role of grassroots 

organisations in making this possible. 

Theoretical Framework: Gender Inequality and the Social Relations Approach 

Gender inequality is not an isolated phenomenon but rather a deeply entrenched consequence 

of historical, social, and institutional processes. Tackling this issue requires more than surface-

level interventions that seek to empower women within existing societal frameworks. Instead, 

a fundamental re-evaluation of the political, economic, familial, and communal structures that 

shape lived experiences is necessary. One particularly insightful framework for understanding 

and addressing these systemic inequalities is the Social Relations Approach (SRA), 

developed by feminist scholars in the 1990s, including Naila Kabeer. 



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The Social Relations Approach (SRA) shifts the focus from viewing women as passive 

beneficiaries of development aid to analyzing the institutional mechanisms that sustain gender 

disparities. Rather than advocating for the mere inclusion of women in development initiatives, 

the SRA emphasizes the need to transform the very institutions that perpetuate 

inequality (Kabeer, 1994; March et al., 1999; Razavi and Miller, 1995; Equilo, 2022). This 

perspective asserts that gender disparities stem from structural and systemic causes, meaning 

that meaningful change requires altering the social relationships, processes, and institutions 

that sustain women's subordinate status. 

Moving Beyond Women’s Inclusion: The Need for Structural Transformation 

A critical limitation of conventional development strategies is their tendency to focus on 

integrating women into existing systems without questioning the underlying power structures. 

The SRA challenges this approach by arguing that if socio-economic and political institutions 

remain unchanged, women’s participation may simply reproduce existing inequalities rather 

than dismantle them. True progress, therefore, depends on restructuring the hierarchies, power 

dynamics, and value systems that govern gender relations (Kabeer, 1994). 

For instance, policies that encourage women’s entry into the labor market without addressing 

wage gaps, workplace discrimination, or unpaid care responsibilities fail to confront the root 

causes of gender inequality. The SRA insists that institutions must be reimagined to 

promote equitable social relations, rather than merely accommodating women within flawed 

systems. 

Key Concepts of the Social Relations Approach 

1. Development as Human Well-Being 

The SRA redefines development as enhancing human well-being, encompassing 

survival, security, and autonomy, rather than prioritizing economic growth alone 

(Miles, 2016). Social relationships determine individuals' roles, rights, obligations, 

and claims over resources, meaning that inequality is perpetuated through 

institutionalized norms and practices (Kabeer, 1994). 

2. Institutions as Reinforcers of Inequality 

Institutions play a crucial role in shaping social relations by either reinforcing or 

challenging inequality. According to Kabeer (1994), institutions "ensure the 

production, reinforcement, and reproduction of social relations," thereby sustaining 

social differences and disparities. The four primary institutional domains are: 

o The State (laws, policies, governance structures). 

o The Market (economic systems, labor relations). 

o The Community (cultural norms, social networks). 

o The Family (household dynamics, care responsibilities). 

Each of these domains interacts to either perpetuate or mitigate gender disparities, making 

institutional analysis essential for gender-aware policymaking. 



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3. Institutional Attitudes Toward Gender 

The SRA categorizes institutional responses to gender into five distinct levels, ranging 

from ignorance to active redistribution of power (Kabeer, 1994; Kabeer and 

Subrahmanian, 1996): 

o Gender-Blind Institutions: These institutions fail to recognize gender 

disparities, treating men and women as if they occupy equal positions in society. 

Policies from such institutions often inadvertently reinforce existing 

inequalities. 

o Gender-Neutral Institutions: While these institutions acknowledge gender 

differences, they do not take active steps to address them. They apply uniform 

policies, assuming an equal playing field where none exists. 

o Gender-Aware Institutions: These institutions recognize gender 

inequalities and incorporate measures to mitigate them, such as gender-

disaggregated data collection and impact assessments. 

o Gender-Specific Institutions: These institutions design targeted 

interventions for women or men, acknowledging their distinct needs and 

societal roles. 

o Gender-Redistributive Institutions: The most progressive category, these 

institutions actively challenge and restructure power relations to achieve equity. 

From the foregoing, the fundamental question is, why does institutional transformation matter? 

The SRA’s emphasis on institutional change highlights a crucial insight: individual 

empowerment alone is insufficient if the systems governing social relations remain oppressive. 

For example, microfinance programs that provide loans to women may improve individual 

economic agency but fail to address broader market inequalities or discriminatory banking 

policies. Similarly, quotas for women in politics are ineffective if legislative structures remain 

male-dominated and resistant to gender-sensitive policymaking. 

By focusing on structural transformation, the SRA provides a roadmap for moving beyond 

temporary fixes toward sustainable gender justice. This requires: 

 Reforming legal and policy frameworks to eliminate discriminatory practices. 

 Redistributing care work to reduce women’s unpaid labour burden. 

 Challenging cultural norms that reinforce patriarchal values. 

 Ensuring equitable resource allocation in economic systems. 

So, the Social Relations Approach (SRA) offers a robust theoretical framework for 

understanding and addressing gender inequality as a systemic issue. By shifting the focus 

from individual empowerment to institutional transformation, it challenges policymakers and 

activists to rethink conventional development strategies. True gender equality requires 

dismantling the structures that perpetuate disparity—moving beyond gender-blind or gender-



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neutral policies toward gender-redistributive reforms. Only then can societies achieve 

meaningful and lasting change. 

Analysis of the Four Institutions Shaping Gender Inequality in Land Ownership 

in Nigeria 

Gender inequality in land ownership remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria, shaped by a 

complex interplay of legal frameworks, economic structures, communal traditions, and 

household dynamics. While formal institutions such as the Nigerian Constitution (1999) and 

the Land Use Act (1978) purport to guarantee equal rights to land, customary practices and 

socio-economic barriers continue to disadvantage women, particularly in patriarchal societies 

like Igboland. This analysis examines how four key institutions—the state, market, 

community, and household—influence land ownership patterns, reinforcing or challenging 

gender disparities. 

1. The State: Formal Legal Frameworks and Their Limitations 

he Nigerian Constitution (1999) enshrines the principle of non-discrimination, asserting that 

every citizen has equal rights to property ownership, irrespective of gender. Similarly, the Land 

Use Act (1978), which nationalizes land ownership under state control, theoretically allows 

both men and women to acquire land through leasehold or purchase (Oriaghan, 2018). 

However, these laws are gender-neutral rather than gender-transformative. They do not 

actively dismantle patriarchal structures but instead assume that removing overt legal barriers 

will automatically lead to equality. In practice, women face systemic obstacles in accessing 

land due to socio-cultural norms, economic marginalization, and weak enforcement of these 

laws. 

Despite constitutional provisions, customary law often supersedes statutory law in rural and 

semi-urban communities. Courts frequently defer to traditional authorities in land disputes, 

meaning that even when women have legal rights, cultural norms prevent them from exercising 

them. Additionally, bureaucratic bottlenecks in land registration disproportionately affect 

women, who are less likely to have the financial resources or political connections to navigate 

these processes. 

2. The Market: Economic Barriers to Women’s Land Ownership 

At the market level, institutions such as banks and land registries do not explicitly discriminate 

based on gender. However, women face structural barriers that limit their access to land 

financing and ownership: 

 Limited access to credit: Women are less likely to secure loans for land purchase due 

to lack of collateral, as most family properties are registered under male names 

(Adegoke et al., 2016). 

 Lower financial literacy: Cultural norms often restrict women’s participation in 

economic decision-making, reducing their ability to engage in land transactions (Ajala, 

2017). 



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 Political exclusion: Since land allocation in Nigeria is often politicized, women’s 

underrepresentation in governance means they have less influence over land 

distribution policies (Oladokun et al., 2018). 

Many women acquire land through informal means, such as family allocations or community 

grants, rather than formal purchases. However, these arrangements often lack legal security, 

leaving women vulnerable to dispossession, particularly in cases of divorce or widowhood 

(Chigbu, 2019). 

3. The Community: Customary Laws and Patrilineal Inheritance 

In many Nigerian communities, customary laws dictate land ownership based on ancestry, 

tradition, and male primacy (Idrisu, 2021). In Igboland, land is primarily inherited 

through patrilineal succession, meaning that sons inherit family land while daughters are often 

excluded (Enwerem, 2023). 

The Igbo cultural practice of bride price (payment made by the groom’s family) reinforces the 

notion that women themselves are property, further entrenching the idea that they cannot own 

land (Nwabude, 2022). This perception is compounded by traditional beliefs that women who 

marry outside their natal community lose their inheritance rights, as they are no longer 

considered part of their father’s lineage (Lawrence-Hart, 2022). 

Efforts to reform customary land laws face resistance from traditional leaders, who view 

gender-equal inheritance as a threat to cultural identity. Even educated Igbo women who 

challenge these norms often face social ostracization, discouraging legal claims to family land 

(Ezumah & Di Domenico, 1995). 

4. The Household: Male Domination and Spiritual Exclusion 

At the household level, land ownership is exclusively male-dominated. Men typically control 

family land, making decisions about its use, sale, or inheritance without consulting female 

members (Basden, 2013).  

Also, inheritance or sale of land has a spiritual meaning with rituals which women cannot 

participate in Igboland. Widows, in particular, face the risk of land dispossession by male 

relatives, a practice justified under customary law (Odoemelam et al 2014, Ezumah & Di 

Domenico 1995). 

Limitations of current Literature 

Academic and policy literature addressing women’s ownership and access to land in Igboland 

has historically exhibited a significant gap in gender sensitivity. Many of these writings either 

overlook gender entirely or adopt a neutral stance that fails to acknowledge the deeply 

entrenched inequalities between men and women. While some recent studies have introduced 

improvements in framing and analysis, they still often fall short of critically examining the 

structural advantages that men have long held in relation to land rights and property ownership. 

In numerous cases, the literature treats land access as a universal issue, applying broad 

frameworks that do not differentiate between male and female experiences. This gender-blind 

approach assumes that all individuals face similar challenges in acquiring and controlling land, 



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thereby masking the unique barriers that women encounter due to cultural norms, legal 

constraints, and socio-economic dynamics. By failing to disaggregate data or analyze gender-

specific outcomes, such studies inadvertently reinforce the status quo, where male dominance 

in land ownership is normalized and unchallenged. 

Even when gender is mentioned, it is often addressed superficially—without a deep 

interrogation of the historical and institutional factors that have privileged men. For instance, 

customary inheritance laws in Igboland typically favour male heirs, excluding women from 

land succession and perpetuating their economic dependence. Yet many texts fail to critique 

these customs or explore their implications for women’s autonomy and development. Instead, 

they may present land tenure systems as culturally fixed or inevitable, thereby sidestepping the 

need for reform or advocacy. 

Moreover, the neutral tone adopted in some literature suggests an attempt to avoid controversy 

or cultural sensitivity. While this may be intended to respect local traditions, it often results in 

a diluted analysis that does not confront the real power imbalances at play. Neutrality in gender 

discourse can be problematic when it obscures the fact that men have historically enjoyed 

privileged access to land through both formal and informal mechanisms—ranging from legal 

recognition to community influence and political leverage. 

This lack of critical engagement with gender disparities has practical consequences. Policies 

and interventions derived from such literature may fail to address the root causes of women’s 

exclusion or may implement solutions that are ineffective because they do not consider the 

socio-cultural context. Without a gender-aware lens, development programs risk perpetuating 

inequality rather than resolving it. 

To move forward, it is essential for future research and policy analysis to adopt a more gender-

responsive approach. This means not only recognizing the historical disadvantages faced by 

women but also actively seeking to redress them through inclusive frameworks, participatory 

methodologies, and transformative advocacy. By highlighting the systemic privileges that men 

have held—and continue to hold—scholars and practitioners can contribute to a more equitable 

discourse on land rights in Igboland. Only then can meaningful progress be made toward 

empowering women and fostering sustainable development in the region. 

Steps to be taken 

In line with Social relations approach, addressing these inequalities requires multi-layered 

strategies: 

1. Legal reform and enforcement of inheritance rights, anti-GBV legislation, and 

affirmative action measures at both national and sub-national levels. 

2. Investment in girls’ education, especially in rural areas, with targeted scholarship and 

mentorship programs. 

3. Economic empowerment initiatives that expand women’s access to credit, 

entrepreneurship training, and cooperative models. 

4. Engagement with traditional institutions to reform discriminatory customs and amplify 

women’s leadership in community governance. 



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5. Data collection and gender budgeting to ensure policies are informed by evidence and 

trackable metrics. 

Through advocacy and networking with civil society organisations, academia, government 

ministries, we will sensitize policy makers (legislative, judiciary and executive arms of 

government) on the implications of gender neutral or gender-blind laws to the individuals and 

society at large (Kabeer, 1994, p.229). 

All levels in government to explicitly enshrine, promulgate gender redistributive laws and 

policies and show law enforcement means to balance gender redistributive laws and policies 

(Kabeer, 2008, p.27). 

Most of the government policies are either gender neutral or gender blind, but through 

advocacy and networking with civil society organisations, academia, government ministries, 

we will sensitize policy makers, legislative, judiciary and executive arms of government on the 

implications of gender neutral or gender-blind laws to the individuals and society at large 

(Kabeer, 1994, p.229). 

There is need to facilitate each government parastatal to explicitly enshrine, promulgate gender 

redistributive laws and policies and show law enforcement means to balance gender 

redistributive laws and policies (Kabeer, 2008, p.27). 

Private corporations should enshrine gender redistributive policies, laws and implement them 

like employing affirmative action towards women in job opportunities, capacity building, 

accessibility to financial services, remunerations and eliminating pay gaps, provision of 

incentives to boost women’s active participation in businesses. The government should monitor 

and check regular compliance to these too. 

On the community and household levels, enlightenment programs for community leaders, men, 

and women on the implications of gender insensitive cultural practices and customs will be 

organised. Engaging community stakeholders is crucial to dropping gender oppressive cultures 

(Kabeer, 2005, p.14) 

Ultimately, it is women themselves who will be vanguards of this cause. Different programs 

will be organised to empower, train, educate and motivate women to live-out gender 

redistributive laws and policies themselves. Also, creating more opportunities to network with 

NGOs, Unions and Civil Society organisation is essential. This is so because, for Kabeer, to 

challenge gender inequality and diffuse its effects, empowerment, and collective action on the 

part of the disempowered, through which existing power relations can be renegotiated (Kabeer, 

1999).  

Conclusion 

Gender inequality remains a central barrier to Nigeria’s socio-economic development—and 

Igboland, despite its cultural vibrancy and economic vitality, is not exempt. 

In Igboland, land remains a critical asset for economic security, social status, and cultural 

identity. However, access to and control over land is largely governed by patriarchal norms 

and customary laws that favor men. Women are often excluded from inheritance rights and 



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land transactions, particularly in rural areas where traditional practices dominate. Even when 

statutory laws provide for gender-neutral access to property, their implementation is frequently 

undermined by cultural resistance and institutional inertia. The notion that women are not 

rightful landowners is deeply embedded in societal beliefs, often reinforced by rituals and 

spiritual customs that bar women from participating in land-related ceremonies. This exclusion 

has far-reaching consequences, limiting women’s ability to invest, build wealth, and contribute 

meaningfully to community development. Without secure land rights, women are less likely to 

access credit, engage in agricultural production, or participate in local governance—further 

entrenching their marginalization. 

To address these entrenched inequalities, it is essential to adopt frameworks that go beyond 

legal reform and tackle the underlying social structures that perpetuate gender bias. One such 

framework is Naila Kabeer’s social relations approach, which emphasizes the importance of 

analyzing institutions—such as the state, market, community, and household—not just in terms 

of their formal rules but also their informal norms and power dynamics. This approach 

encourages a shift from gender-neutral policies to gender-redistributive strategies that actively 

transform relationships and resource allocations between men and women. In the context of 

Igboland, applying Kabeer’s framework would involve rethinking land governance systems, 

challenging discriminatory customs, and promoting inclusive decision-making processes. It 

would also require engaging with traditional leaders, religious institutions, and community 

networks to foster cultural change. By recognizing the interconnectedness of social, economic, 

and political institutions, this approach offers a holistic pathway toward gender equity and 

sustainable development. 

Empowering women through equitable access to land and resources is not merely a matter of 

justice—it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. Numerous studies have shown that 

when women have control over assets, household welfare improves, children’s education 

outcomes rise, and communities become more resilient. In Igboland, where women are already 

active in trade, education, and informal enterprise, removing barriers to land ownership and 

financial inclusion could unleash a wave of economic growth. Women’s participation in 

agriculture, for example, could be significantly enhanced if they had secure land tenure and 

access to credit. Similarly, enabling women to own property would strengthen their bargaining 

power within households and communities, leading to more balanced and democratic decision-

making. The ripple effects of such empowerment would extend beyond economics, influencing 

social cohesion, psychological well-being, and even religious and political engagement. In 

essence, gender redistribution is a catalyst for comprehensive development. 

Beyond economic empowerment, closing gender gaps also requires political inclusion and 

institutional reform. Women remain underrepresented in Nigeria’s political landscape, with 

minimal participation in elected offices and policy-making bodies. In Igboland, traditional 

governance structures often exclude women from leadership roles, reinforcing the perception 

that political power is a male domain. To change this narrative, deliberate efforts must be made 

to promote women’s leadership at all levels—from local councils to national assemblies. This 

includes implementing affirmative action policies, providing leadership training, and creating 

safe spaces for women to engage in political discourse. Institutional reforms should also 

address gender biases in public administration, law enforcement, and judicial systems to ensure 

that women’s rights are protected and enforced. By integrating gender perspectives into 



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governance, Nigeria can build more responsive and inclusive institutions that reflect the needs 

and aspirations of all citizens. 

Achieving gender equality in Nigeria, particularly in regions like Igboland, requires a multi-

faceted approach. Legal reforms must be strengthened and enforced, ensuring that statutory 

rights override discriminatory customs. Economic policies should prioritize women’s access to 

credit, land, and vocational training, while community engagement initiatives must challenge 

patriarchal norms through education and dialogue. Men must be included as allies in this 

process, recognizing that gender equality benefits everyone by fostering more stable and 

prosperous societies. International organizations, civil society groups, and the private sector all 

have roles to play in funding and implementing these changes. Ultimately, unlocking the full 

potential of Nigerian women is not just a matter of justice—it is a prerequisite for sustainable 

development. Only by dismantling systemic barriers can Nigeria harness the talents of all its 

citizens and build a future defined by equity, resilience, and shared prosperity. 

It follows that, the Social Relations Approach offers a powerful framework for understanding 

and addressing gender inequality. It moves beyond simplistic notions of inclusion and instead 

advocates for systemic change. By focusing on the institutions that shape social relations, the 

SRA provides a roadmap for creating a more just and equitable society. 

This approach challenges us to rethink development, not as a process of economic expansion, 

but as a means of enhancing human well-being. It urges policymakers, scholars, and activists 

to look beyond individual empowerment and toward the transformation of the structures that 

define our collective lives. Only by doing so can we hope to dismantle the deeply embedded 

systems of inequality and build a future where all individuals regardless of gender can thrive. 

 

References 

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