Advancing Gender's Balance Rights Through Constitutional and Legal Reforms: A Comparative Study of Nigeria and Uganda

Authors

  • Paul Atagamen Aidonojie School of Law, Kampala International University, Uganda Author
  • Osaretin George Izevbuwa School of Law, Igbinedion University, Nigeria Author
  • Eregbuonye Obieshi Faculty of Law, Edo State University, Nigeria Author
  • Mercy Okpoko School of Law, Kampala International University, Uganda Author
  • Joshua John Damina School of Law, Kampala International University, Uganda Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71239/jicl.v2i1.47

Keywords:

Gender, Rights, Constitutional, Legal, Nigeria, Uganda

Abstract

The concept of human rights has gained global recognition over time, and the international community and virtually all countries consider everyone equal and deserving of equal treatment. However, advancing gender balance in rights is a critical challenge in Nigeria, where constitutional and legal frameworks come short of equity. Hence, the study focuses on Nigeria's slow progress in addressing systemic gender imbalances that are further complicated by cultural and institutional barriers to women's full participation in the economic, political, and social arenas. The research will analyze how constitutional and legal reforms can advance gender balance rights in Nigeria by learning from Uganda, a country that is attributed with remarkable achievements in gender inclusivity. This study employed a doctrinal method utilising a comparative approach that analyzed primary legal documents, policies, and secondary sources between the two countries for the best practices and challenges. Findings reveal that Uganda's deliberate constitutional recognition of gender equity, affirmative action policies, and strong institutional frameworks have reduced gender disparity significantly. On the other hand, it is Nigeria's fragmented and under-enforced gender-related laws, and the non-express constitutional provision of gender equal participation contribute to continued inequalities. The study recommends extensive constitutional amendments, the establishment of gender-monitoring institutions, and raising awareness amongst the public in Nigeria to duplicate Uganda's successes in making gender balance a core national development agenda.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Abakah, Ellen. “Participation without a Voice? Rural Women’s Experiences and Participation in Local Governance Activities in the Abura–Asebu–Kwamankese District of Ghana.” Edited by Sonia Graham. Cogent Social Sciences 4, no. 1 (January 1, 2018): 1549768. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2018.1549768.

Abdulrazaq, Fatimah Funsho. “An Analysis of Child’s Rights Under Islamic Law of Inheritance: An Epitome of Gender Balance, Equity, and Justice in Nigeria.” Islamic University in Uganda Journal of Comparative Law 7, no. 1 (2022): 125–44.

Adisiimwe, Jackline. “Gender Equity: Examination of the Law Relating to Employment of Women in Ugandad].” KAS African Law Study Library - Librairie Africaine d’Etudes Juridiques 10, no. 4 (n.d.): 465–84.

Aidonojie, P. A., S. A. Wakili, and D. Ayuba. “Effectiveness of the Administration of Justice in Nigeria Under the Development of Digital Technologies.” Journal of Digital Technologies and Law 1, no. 4 (December 15, 2023): 1105–31. https://doi.org/10.21202/jdtl.2023.48.

Aidonojie, Paul Atagamen, Esther Chetachukwu Aidonojie, Mercy Osemudiame Okpoko, Eregbuonye Obieshi, and Joshua John Damina. “International Legal Framework in Curtailing Hazardous COVID-19 Medical Waste: Issues and Challenges.” Decova Law Journal 1, no. 1 (March 2025): 1–17.

Aidonojie, Paul Atagamen, Godswill Owoche Antai, Damina Joshua John, Success Ibeh, and Adesoji Kolawole Adebayo. “Curtailing Male Rape in Nigeria: Legal Issues and Challenges.” Journal of Sustainable Development and Regulatory Issues (JSDERI) 2, no. 3 (September 24, 2024): 287–303. https://doi.org/10.53955/jsderi.v2i3.43.

Aidonojie, Paul Atagamen, and Oaihimire Idemudia Edetalehn. “A Facile Study of the Statutory Challenges Concerning Customary Practice of Intestate Succession in Nigeria.” JHR (Jurnal Hukum Replik) 11, no. 1 (April 1, 2023): 1. https://doi.org/10.31000/jhr.v11i1.7552.

Aidonojie, Paul Atagamen, Obi Eregbuonye, Adesoji Kolawole Adebayo, Shedrack Ekpa, and Ketut Sukewati Lanang Putra Perbawa. “Nigeria’s Adoption of Robotic Lawyers: Legal and Socio-Economic Challenges.” BESTUUR 12, no. 1 (July 4, 2024): 69. https://doi.org/10.20961/bestuur.v12i1.89747.

Aidonojie, Paul Atagamen, Obieshi Eregbuonye, Afolabi Toyin Majekodunmi, and Michael E. Inagbor. “The Prospect and Legal Issues of Income Tax in the Nigerian Metaverse.” Trunojoyo Law Review 6, no. 1 (February 26, 2024): 17–50. https://doi.org/10.21107/tlr.v6i1.23874.

Aidonojie, Paul Atagamen, Tom Mulegi, Jufri Muwaffiq, Andrew Ikhayere Imiefoh, and Antai Godswill Owoche. “International Laws Regulating Human Rights in Business Operations in Uganda: Issues and Challenges.” Fenomena 23, no. 2 (November 10, 2024): 131–44. https://doi.org/10.35719/fenomena.v23i2.188.

Aidonojie, Paul Atagamen, Eregbuonye Obieshi, Esther Chetachukwu Aidonojie, Ismaila Hassan, and Joshua John Damina. “The Increase of Child Labour in Nigeria: Legal Custody of Victim by the Nigerian Government as a Panacea.” Journal of Indonesian Constitutional Law 1, no. 3 (December 15, 2024): 151–75. https://doi.org/10.71239/jicl.v1i3.26.

Aidonojie, Paul Atagamen, Nosakhare Okuonghae, Aisha Najjuma, Omobolanle Omolola Ikpotokin, and Eregbuonye Obieshi. “Legal and Socio-Economic Challenges of E-Commerce in Uganda: Balancing Growth and Regulation.” Trunojoyo Law Review 7, no. 1 (January 10, 2025): 1–32. https://doi.org/10.21107/tlr.v7i1.27704.

Ainomugisha, Smartson. “Measuring the Progress of Women Empowerment in Uganda: A National Multidimensional Index.” Bugolobi, 2024. https://www.ubos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11.

Ajodo-Adebanjoko, Angela. “Giving Voice to the Voiceless: The Challenges of Women Legislators in Nigeria’s National Assembly.” In Two Decades of Legislative Politics and Governance in Nigeria’s National Assembly, edited by Fatai Ayinde Aremu and Adebola Rafiu Bakare, 317–43. Singapore: Springer Singapore, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-4455-6_13.

Akinjole, Elizabeth, Bosede Kudaisi, and Mary M. Fasoranti. “Gender Inequality and Poverty in Akoka South West Communities of Ondo State, Nigeria.” Ilorin Journal of Economic Policy 11, no. 2 (December 20, 2024): 40–61. https://doi.org/10.4314/ijep.v11i2.3.

Amponsah, Nana Akua, and Janet Serwah Boateng. “Women in Local Government in Africa: Gender, Resistance, and Empowerment.” In The Palgrave Handbook of African Women’s Studies, edited by Olajumoke Yacob-Haliso and Toyin Falola, 393–412. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-28099-4_147.

Babalola, Taiwo Oladapo, Clement Anguh Nkwemoh, Adeola Oluwabunmi Williams, Ayobami Popoola, and Olajumoke Ololade Tunji-Adepoju. “Women’s Perspective on Land Governance in the Urban Periphery of Ibadan, Nigeria.” Development in Practice 34, no. 6 (August 17, 2024): 765–81. https://doi.org/10.1080/09614524.2024.2372575.

Belaid, Loubna, Hadiza Mudi, Khalid Omer, Yagana Gidado, Umaira Ansari, Muhammad Rilwanu, Neil Andersson, and Anne Cockcroft. “Promoting Gender Equity in a Home Visits Programme: A Qualitative Study in Northern Nigeria.” BMC Women’s Health 24, no. 1 (August 24, 2024): 469. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-024-03293-8.

Berlingozzi, Laura. “Gendered Insecurities: EU Practices in Countering Violent Extremism in Niger.” European Security 32, no. 3 (July 3, 2023): 444–63. https://doi.org/10.1080/09662839.2023.2233441.

Budiyanto, Budiyanto, Ahmad Masum, Paul Atagamen Aidonojie, and Jamal Aslan. “Problems of Legal Implementation of the Criminal Offense of Spreading Fake News and Hate Speech in Papua” 20, no. 2 (2024): 278–300.

Chirwa, Danwood M, and Christopher Mbazira. “Constitutional Rights, Horizontality, and the Ugandan Constitution: An Example of Emerging Norms and Practices in Africa.” International Journal of Constitutional Law 18, no. 4 (December 31, 2020): 1231–53. https://doi.org/10.1093/icon/moaa081.

Citro, Brian. “Activating Law and Human Rights to End Tuberculosis: An Empirical Assessment of Ten Countries’ Fulfillment of United Nations Commitments.” Indiana Health Law Review 21, no. 1 (June 11, 2024): 1–59. https://doi.org/10.18060/28378.

Cohen, David, Kyra Jasper, Alisha Zhao, Khadija Taoufik Moalla, Kasirim Nwuke, Sophia Nesamoney, and Gary L. Darmstadt. “Gender Norms in a Context of Legal Pluralism: Impacts on the Health of Women and Girls in Ethiopia.” Global Public Health 19, no. 1 (December 31, 2024): 2326016. https://doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2024.2326016.

Eboson, Cynthia Kelechi. “Navigating Between Entrenched Discriminatory Customary Laws: A Case Study of Inheritance Rules and Gender Rights in the IGBO Community in Nigeria.” McGill University, 2023. https://www.proquest.com/openview/3605122e8a2c32ed816cab8eeb0d6878/1?cbl=18750&diss=y&pq-origsite=gscholar.

Edström, Jerker, Amon Ashaba Mwiine, and David N. Tshimba. “Patriarchal Backlash in Uganda?” In Routledge Handbook of Masculinities, Conflict, and Peacebuilding, by Henri Myrttinen, Chloé Lewis, Heleen Touquet, Philipp Schulz, Farooq Yousaf, and Elizabeth Laruni, 296–307, 1st ed. London: Routledge, 2025. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003320876-30.

Elaigwu, Moses, James Ike Ugwu, Abdelkader Alghorbany, Ogechukwu Maria Ngwoke, Alexander Onyebuchi Ude, Obani Chimaobi Desmond, and Peter Audu. “Sustainability Disclosure Quality of Nigerian Listed Firms: The Role of Female Leadership, Board Communication, and External Assurance.” Cogent Business & Management 11, no. 1 (December 31, 2024): 2376774. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2024.2376774.

Emeasoba, Gabriel Uchechi. “An Evaluation of the Nigerian Judicial Attitude to the Igbo Customary Law of Succession (2020).” African Customary and Religious Law Review 1 (2020): 11–19.

Ezzerouali, Souad. “Expanding the Authority of Muhtasib to Protect Consumers: A Comparison between Moroccan Law and Islamic Qanun of Aceh.” Trunojoyo Law Review 7, no. 2 (March 2025): 161–91. https://doi.org/10.21107/tlr.v7i2.29151.

Falade, Titilayo D. O., Didier Kadjo, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Godwin Atser, and Lateef Sanni. “Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices Regarding Aflatoxins and Aflatoxin Management Solutions among Women: A Perspective from Two Communities in Nigeria.” Cogent Food & Agriculture 11, no. 1 (December 31, 2025): 2460464. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2025.2460464.

Fatile, Jacob Olufemi, and Ganiyu Layi Ejalonibu. “A Critical Appraisal Of Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda And Gender Equality In Nigeria.” University of Mauritius Research Journal 22 (2016): 207–44.

Fayomi, Oluyemi O., Lady A. Ajayi, Rosemary O. Popoola, and Oluwatobi Njoaguani. “Women in Political Leadership in Nigeria: Issues, Prospect and Challenges.” In The Political Economy of Colonialism and Nation-Building in Nigeria, edited by Samuel Ojo Oloruntoba, 189–207. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73875-4_11.

Fosu, Richard, and Eleanor Gordon. “The Gendered Politics of the ‘Local Turn’ in Peacebuilding: Acholi Traditional Justice and Gender in Post‐conflict Uganda.” Disasters 49, no. 2 (April 2025): e12677. https://doi.org/10.1111/disa.12677.

Gage, Anastasia J., and Nicholas J. Thomas. “Women’s Work, Gender Roles, and Intimate Partner Violence in Nigeria.” Archives of Sexual Behavior 46, no. 7 (October 2017): 1923–38. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-017-1023-4.

Goetz, Anne Marie. “Women in Politics & Gender Equity in Policy: South Africa & Uganda.” Review of African Political Economy 25, no. 76 (June 1, 1998). https://doi.org/10.1080/03056249808704312.

Gullo, Alessandro, Arthur Rossi, Lydia Sofrona, Karla Vasquez Suarez, Christophe Waerzeggers, and Kikachukwu Alex Okoh. Gender Equality and Economic Development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Washington, D.C.: International Monetary Fund, 2024. https://doi.org/10.5089/9798400246968.071.

Gunawan, Yordan, Amarta Yasyhini Ilka Haque, and Paul Atagamen Aidonojie. “Police Brutality as Human Rights Violation: A Study Case of Black Lives Matter.” Varia Justicia 19, no. 1 (April 29, 2023): 19–32. https://doi.org/10.31603/variajusticia.v19i1.6588.

Idike, Adeline Nnenna, Remi Chukwudi Okeke, Cornelius O. Okorie, Francisca N. Ogba, and Christiana A. Ugodulunwa. “Gender, Democracy, and National Development in Nigeria.” Sage Open 10, no. 2 (April 2020): 2158244020922836. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244020922836.

Isola, Abidemi Abiola. “Women’s Political Participation and the Place of Patriarchy in Political Institutions in Osun State, Nigeria.” In Routledge Handbook of Contemporary African Women, by Anna Chitando, Eunice Kamaara, and Ezra Chitando, 375–89, 1st ed. London: Routledge, 2025. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003413820-32.

Jufri, Muwaffiq, Raphael D. Jackson-Ortiz, Putra Perdana Ahmad Saifulloh, Evis Garunja, and Sonia Ivana Barus. “State Power Limitations on Religion for The Fulfillment of The Constitutional Rights of Indigenous Religion Believers in Indonesia.” Journal of Indonesian Constitutional Law 1, no. 3 (December 16, 2024): 194–220. https://doi.org/10.71239/jicl.v1i3.23.

Jufri, Muwaffiq, Safi Safi, Paul Atagamen Aidonojie, Zaini Zaini, and Yusuf Ibrahim Arowosaiye. “Religion and State in Islamic Constitutional Law: The Role of Pesantren in Strengthening Symbiotic Islam and the State in Madura.” Justicia Islamica 21, no. 2 (November 6, 2024): 221–46. https://doi.org/10.21154/justicia.v21i2.9283.

Kai, Shirin M. “The National Machinery for Gender Equality in Uganda: Institutionalized Gesture Politics?” In Mainstreaming Gender, Democratizing the State: Institutional Mechanisms for the Advancement of Women, 1st ed. Routledge, 2017. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203786680.

Kameri-Mbote, Patricia. “Constitutions As Pathways to Gender Equality in Plural Legal Contexts.” Oslo Law Review 5, no. 1 (May 9, 2018): 21–41. https://doi.org/10.18261/issn.2387-3299-2018-01-02.

Kaymakcioglu, Ayca G., and Michael Thomas. “Gender Inequalities and Academic Leadership in Nigeria, South Africa and the United Kingdom: A Systematic Literature Review (2013–2023).” Social Sciences & Humanities Open 10 (2024): 101066. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101066.

Lombard, Ella J., and Sapna Cheryan. “Does My Work Matter? Reduced Sense of Mattering as a Source of Gender Disparities.” Social and Personality Psychology Compass 18, no. 1 (January 2024): e12907. https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12907.

Madsen, Diana Højlund, and Josephine Ahikire. “On Convergences and Divergences: Gendered and Layered Political Citizenship in Ghana and Uganda.” In The Palgrave Handbook of Gender and Citizenship, edited by Birte Siim and Pauline Stoltz, 267–90. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-57144-2_12.

Makama, Makama, and Godiya Allanana. “Patriarchy and Gender Inequality in Nigeria: The Way Forward.” European Scientific Journal 9, no. 17 (n.d.): 115–44.

Muhammad, Mukhlis Mutawalli, Ahmad Masum, Paul Atagamen Aidonojie, and Adesoji Kolawole Adebayo. “Filling Members of the Financial Audit Board: Constitutional Review and Legislative Intervention.” Al-Adl 17, no. 1 (n.d.): 55–72.

Mukhlis, Mukhlis, Raphael D. Jackson-Ortiz, Muwaffiq Jufri, Evis Garunja, and Paul Atagamen Aidonojie. “Rejection of Former Shia Community in Sampang Perspective on Human Rights Law: Discourse of Religious Rights and Freedom in Indonesia.” Lex Scientia Law Review 7, no. 2 (November 30, 2023): 959–94. https://doi.org/10.15294/lesrev.v7i2.72156.

Naheed, Sanober and Rukhsana. “Transitioning to Sustainable Food Systems in a Changing Climate and Gender Equality: A Brief Review.” Agriculture & Food Security 13, no. 1 (September 18, 2024): 41. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-024-00492-2.

Namuhani, Noel, Rhoda K. Wanyenze, Suzanne N. Kiwanuka, Joseph K. B. Matovu, and Fredrick E. Makumbi. “Equity in Family Planning Policies and Programs in Uganda: Conceptualization, Dimensions and Implementation Constraints.” International Journal for Equity in Health 23, no. 1 (March 11, 2024): 50. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-024-02143-1.

Nizeyimana, Pamela, Edmond Kagambe, Tawheed Kasiita, Maliko Kisembo, Joshua Aturinda, and Maurine Kang’ahi. “Assessment of Access and Participation of Students with Special Needs in Public Universities of Uganda.” East African Journal of Education Studies 7, no. 3 (September 2, 2024): 463–78. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajes.7.3.2172.

Nkwunonwo, Ugonna C. “Women in Surveying (WIS): Urgently Bridging the Gender Divide for the Sustainable Development of Geoinformatics and Surveying Profession.” Survey Review, March 3, 2025, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/00396265.2025.2472531.

Obatusin, S.C. “Customary Law Principles as a Tool for Human Rights Advocacy: Innovating Nigerian Customary Practices Using Lessons from Ugandan and South African Courts.” Columbian Journal of Transnational Law 56 (2017): 636–79.

Obradović Strålman, Sanja, and Vladimir Stojanović. “Breaking Boundaries: Empowering Women for Sustainable Tourism in Bačko Podunavlje Biosphere Reserve.” Environment, Development and Sustainability, March 1, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-025-06067-w.

Ojwala, Renis Auma, Susan Buckingham, Francis Neat, and Momoko Kitada. “Understanding Women’s Roles, Experiences and Barriers to Participation in Ocean Science Education in Kenya: Recommendations for Better Gender Equality Policy.” Marine Policy 161 (March 2024): 106000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2023.106000.

Olaitan, Zainab M., and Christopher Isike. “Gender Quotas as a Mechanism for Engendering Political Transformation in Africa.” The African Review, October 2024. https://doi.org/10.1163/1821889x-bja10136.

Örtenblad, Anders, Raili Marling, and Snježana Vasiljević, eds. “Gender Equality in Nigeria.” In Gender Equality in a Global Perspective, 1st ed., 23–53. 1 Edition. | New York : Routledge, 2017. | Series: Routledge advances in management and business studies ; 68: Routledge, 2017. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315639505.

Safi’, Safi’, Paul Atagamen Aidonojie, Muwaffiq Jufri, and Evis Garunja. “Bhag-Rembhag Sabhala’an as a Method of Resolving Religious Conflicts in the Madura Legal Tradition.” El-Mashlahah 14, no. 1 (June 30, 2024): 95–126. https://doi.org/10.23971/el-mashlahah.v14i1.7819.

Semenova, Elena, and Nkwachukwu Orji. “The Patterns of Political Career Movements of Nigerian Cabinet Ministers, 1999–2017.” Regional & Federal Studies, February 25, 2024, 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1080/13597566.2024.2319730.

Ssenyonjo, M. “Women’s Rights to Equality and Non-Discrimination: Discriminatory Family Legislation in Uganda and the Role of Uganda’s Constitutional Court.” International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family 21, no. 3 (December 1, 2007): 341–72. https://doi.org/10.1093/lawfam/ebm010.

Tamale, Sylvia. When Hens Begin to Crow: Gender and Parliamentary Politics in Uganda. Taylor & Francis Group, 2018.

Tinker, Irene. “Quotas for Women in Elected Legislatures: Do They Really Empower Women?” Women’s Studies International Forum 27, no. 5–6 (November 2004): 531–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wsif.2004.09.008.

Tuki, Daniel. “Examining the Effect of Gender, Education and Religion on Attitudes toward Gender Equality in Nigeria.” Politics, Groups, and Identities 13, no. 1 (January 2025): 1–27. https://doi.org/10.1080/21565503.2024.2304311.

Uduji, Joseph Ikechukwu, Elda Nduka Okolo-Obasi, and Simplice A. Asongu. “Oil Extraction and Gender Equality for Social Equity: The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria’s Coastal Communities.” Resources Policy 81 (March 2023): 103346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2023.103346.

Van Engeland, Anicée. “Human Rights: Between Universalism and Relativism.” In International Conflict and Security Law, edited by Sergey Sayapin, Rustam Atadjanov, Umesh Kadam, Gerhard Kemp, Nicolás Zambrana-Tévar, and Noëlle Quénivet, 93–113. The Hague: T.M.C. Asser Press, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-6265-515-7_5.

Wakili, Saminu Abacha, Olawunmi Opeyemi Obisesan, Collins Ekpenisi, Godswill Owoche Antai, and Maria Edet Umo. “Legal Framework and Challenges Concerning Forensic Evidence in Nigeria.” Trunojoyo Law Review 7, no. 1 (January 13, 2025): 33–64. https://doi.org/10.21107/tlr.v7i1.28599.

Downloads

Published

20-04-2025

How to Cite

Aidonojie, Paul Atagamen, Osaretin George Izevbuwa, Eregbuonye Obieshi, Mercy Okpoko, and Joshua John Damina. 2025. “Advancing Gender’s Balance Rights Through Constitutional and Legal Reforms: A Comparative Study of Nigeria and Uganda”. Journal of Indonesian Constitutional Law 2 (1): 60-83. https://doi.org/10.71239/jicl.v2i1.47.

Similar Articles

11-20 of 25

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.