Discriminatory Cultural Practices and Women’s Rights among the Igbos of South-East Nigeria : A Critique

Abstract

The paper identifies and examines the legion of institutionalized discriminatory cultural practices that are often meted out on Igbo female genders in Nigeria. It further reviews the existing legal framework on women’s rights at the national, regional and international levels. The paper further highlights and discusses factors that have impeded the elimination of these obnoxious cultural practices amongst the Igbos of South East Nigeria It inter-alia calls for an urgent legislative intervention; more involvement of traditional rulers, lawyers and Judges to combat these practices; more intensified re-orientation of the Nigerian police; overhauling of the social institution, and more educational opportunities and political appointments for women. Recommendations are proffered on the best way forward in order to eliminate these harmful cultural practices or at least minimize their occurrences.

Keywords: Cultural practices, Female gender, Discrimination, Women’s rights, Igbos, Nigeria