National Gender Policy 2006

A Policy provides a framework for mainstreaming gender equality across government and public life to reduce discrimination. It targets government agencies, women and girls, civil society organizations, and private sector employers. This aims to create a just society where men and women equally contribute to national development.

What Is This Policy?

Nigeria's overarching policy document on gender equality, providing a framework for mainstreaming gender considerations across all sectors of government and public life to reduce discrimination and promote equal opportunities for women and men.

Who Does It Target?

All government ministries, departments, and agencies Women and girls across Nigeria Civil society organizations working on gender issues Private sector employers

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Create a just society where men and women contribute to and benefit equally from all aspects of national development, by eliminating discriminatory practices and promoting women's empowerment.

Key Features

Gender Mainstreaming: Integration of gender perspectives into all government policies, programmes, and budgets Affirmative Action: Targets for women's representation in government, including 35% minimum in appointive and elective positions Legal Reform: Advocacy for legislative changes to address discriminatory laws and practices Education and Health: Specific strategies to close gender gaps in education and healthcare access Economic Empowerment: Support for women's access to credit, land ownership, and employment opportunities

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active, though implementation varies significantly across states Coverage: Federal and state levels Lead Agency: Federal Ministry of Women Affairs Partners: UN Women, UNDP, DFID (now FCDO), civil society organizations

How to Access

The policy document is available through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs. Contact the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for the full document Access through state ministries of women affairs Available through UN Women Nigeria and partner organization publications

Official Resources

Website: womenaffairs.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Abuja

Legal Framework

The National Gender Policy 2006 operates under the 1999 Constitution (Section 42 — freedom from discrimination), the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 (enacted subsequently), and the Child Rights Act 2003. It aligns with Nigeria's obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the African Charter's Maputo Protocol on Women's Rights, and the Beijing Platform for Action. The updated National Gender Policy (2021–2026) replaced this earlier version.