A Comparative Analysis of Government Response to Gender Inequality in Ghana and Nigeria from 2001-2020

The study assesses the Government of Ghana and the Government of Nigeria's response to gender inequality. Ghana and Nigeria transitioned from military dictatorships to democratic regimes. Despite this, significant gaps in the extent and scope of democratic consolidation exist. Both countries are ex-British colonies with a diverse range of cultures and ethnic traditions. Despite the fact that Ghana has made substantial strides toward consolidation, Nigeria seems to be lagging behind, despite the fact that the two countries share several similarities. Despite the numerous treaties, conventions ratified by these countries, the Gender Gap Report paints a gloomy picture about these two countries. Ghana and Nigeria ranked 107th and 128th in the 2020 Gender Gap Report respectively. The study focused on government responses to gender inequality from 2001 to 2020 because these countries had a stable democracy from 2001 to date after a long period of military government. To address the research question in the study, a qualitative methodology was employed. The analysis used both primary and secondary data sources. Official reports from civil society organizations, government ministries, and departments formed the primary data. The analysis employs a thematic analysis, a qualitative method typically used to identify themes in the data. The study shows that Ghana and Nigeria are signatories to several international treaties and conventions. Issues of gender inequality in Nigeria and Ghana have been effectively translated into their domestic legislation. The number of women in leadership positions appears to be very low as compared to men in Ghana and Nigeria. The right to dignity of women, right to be treated fairly, has been violated. To address the issue, several policies have been initiated by successive governments of Ghana and Nigeria from 2001 to 2020.