Women Devaluation and its Implication on their Socio-Economic and Political Advancement in Rivers State

This paper examines women devaluation and its implication on the socio-economic and political advancement in Rivers State. From time immemorial, all ethnic groups gave more power and preferences to the men, while the women were relegated to the background. It was revealed that in spite of the concerted efforts of feminist and the government to stop gender inequality and discrimination, the women are still devalued and their socio-economic status are moving at snail speed. On the other hand, the proportion of women in politics or leadership positions in Rivers State are still very few compared to their population and the men. However, it was revealed that their percentage of women in politics is increasing since the inception of democracy in 1999, and their socio-economic status of few women have also increased. It was recommended that all cultural practices that encourage women devaluation and gender inequality should be discouraged. Secondly, the ministry of women affairs in Rivers State in conjunction with other feminist movement should embark on campaigns and sensitization against women devaluation.