Women Education and Sustainable Development: Implications for National Development

Abstract

This paper explored women education and sustainable development in Nigeria and their implications with a particular focus on equal access to quality education for all, elimation of gender disparity in education, and full participation of women in leadership and decision making as enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 Agenda. These impediments perpetuate cycles of poverty, illiteracy, and gender inequality. Drawing from historical analysis, the paper highlighted how cultural, political and religious practices, colonial and post-independence policies in Nigeria stifled women’s access to education; encouraged gender stereotype and entrenched gender disparity in education and in key sectors of our national life. The study further examined UNESCO’s position, which identified women education as an inevitable investment for nation building and sustainable development. Despite international interventions, challenges such as gender inequality, obnoxious cultural practices, child marriage, and inadequate infrastructure remain significant obstacles to women education. The study maintained that women education should be prioritized as a national development imperative rather than a gendered issue. In conclusion, the study affirmed that quality education of woman will serve as a cornerstone for national development in Nigeria. Hence, the study recommended multi-sectoral interventions, participation of women in leadership and policy decision-making at all levels. It equally recommended that the on-going debates on the Bill for equitable representation of women in the socio-economic and political spheres of Nigeria be passed into law; while serious sensitization on the need for women to acquire higher education be intensified in all communities by government to ensure full involvement of women in national development, among others.