Nigeria is broadly divided into northern and southern regions, both grappling with women’s underrepresentation and gender inequality. However, northern Nigeria faces more severe structural and economic imbalances, resulting in grave underrepresentation of women at political, social, and economic levels.
This disparity is particularly pronounced among women in rural communities and ghettos, who face cultural limitations and perennial challenges such as:
✍🏾Poor access to quality healthcare
✍🏾Sexual and gender-based violence
✍🏾Female genital mutilation
✍🏾Lack of basic amenities like good roads, power supply, and potable water
Climate change has exacerbated these struggles, with drought and low crop yields affecting women’s livelihoods. Insurgency and displacement have further worsened their situation, leaving many women unable to farm and access their primary source of income.

Despite these challenges, notable interventions have improved the lives of women in northern Nigeria:
✔️ Educational Initiatives: Organizations like UNICEF and the Malala Fund have implemented programs to improve girls’ access to education, providing scholarships, building schools, and advocating for girls’ education rights.
✔️ Healthcare Programs: International organizations like WHO and local NGOs have launched maternal and child health initiatives, providing free prenatal care and vaccinations to reduce maternal mortality rates.
✔️ Economic Empowerment Projects: NGOs like ActionAid and WRAPA have established vocational training programs, equipping women with skills in tailoring, baking, and farming to gain financial independence.
✔️ Interventions Against Gender-Based Violence: The Nigerian government and civil society organizations have worked to address sexual and gender-based violence through campaigns, safe shelters, and legal aid.
✔️ Microfinance Schemes: Microfinance organizations like LAPO Microfinance Bank have provided small loans to women, enabling them to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods.
✔️ Efforts Against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Campaigns by organizations like UNFPA aim to eradicate FGM through community engagement, advocacy, and education.
While these interventions have made a positive impact, more needs to be done to bridge the gender gap and address the challenges facing women in northern Nigeria. A collaborative effort by the government, private sector, and international organizations is essential for sustainable progress.
Empowering women in northern Nigeria is not only a matter of equality but a necessary step toward national development.
Ubong Usoro