Gender Inequality in Nigeria Police Force

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VIII, August 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Gender Inequality in Nigeria Police Force

Oluwa Moses Oluwafemi
Department of History and International Relations, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria

Abstract: This study aims to examine how the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) administrative structure, recruitment policy, and promotion criteria engendered gender inequality. The research used the Zone 4 which presently cover three states; Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau State Commands with the Zonal Headquarters at Makurdi, Benue State as a case study. Primary data was obtained through administered questionnaires. A quantitative empirical approach was chosen for the study because it provided a numerical measurement and reliable statistical predictably of the results to the total target population. The study discovered that the gender discriminatory policies and promotion criteria of the NPF has deterred the career progression of the female police officers. The female police officers are often victims of sexual harassment, bully from superior male officers and lack of equal employment opportunities. Hence the recommendation that the recruitment policy should be revisited for reforms to encourage more to close the existing gap, women should be assigned roles and duties aside bookkeeping, clerical secretary and police matron. The Inspector-General of Police in collaboration with the government should ensure strict implementation of laws safeguarding the female police officers from sexual harassment and bullying from the superiors.

Keywords: Gender inequality, police, promotion criteria, recruitment policy.

I. INTRODUCTION

The police force and other law enforcement agencies that were traditionally dominated by the adult male is gradually evolving with the enlistment of female police officers. There are more women employed by law enforcement agencies today than ever before. Their roles and work experiences have changed significantly from police matrons it used to be in the late 1800s-early 1900s (Chang, 1999). Generally, the women’s roles in the labour force have evolved from the traditional secretary, bookkeeper, sales clerk, cashier, waitress, nurses, teachers, domestic workers, and typist. Women have begun to move into a broader range and traditionally male-dominated occupations such as policing, medicine, engineering and other parts of law enforcement.

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