Gender Differential and Poverty amongst Women in Nigeria

Poverty is no respecter of gender; it cuts across both male and female. However, it is on record that the scourge of poverty is more pronounced on the female gender than male in Nigeria.That fewer women apply for entry to universities is a result of their being fewer girls completing secondary education and this problem has its roots in primary school. Men have greater access to high-paying, secure employment than women. This study, therefore attempts to examine the relationship between gender differential and poverty amongst women in Nigeria. It relies heavily on secondary data for its analysis. The study reveals that only a very tiny proportion of women do get into the commanding heights of national life for which higher education is a prerequisite. Education for women and girls at all levels, therefore, should aim at reversing the trend of gender discrimination by ensuring full empowerment of women in the true sense of raising their status.