Government Policies and Women Empowerment: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

This study employs a qualitative and policy-oriented research design to critically assess the extent of women's empowerment in the economic, political, and sociocultural dimensions of the Nigerian society as influenced by governmental policy. It examines major policy instruments in the areas of education, employment legislation, political participation, and social welfare, to assess whether these have succeeded in closing gender gaps. The article adopts a comparative policy analysis approach of assessing the legislative frameworks from different countries and evaluates the outcomes using secondary data. Your guidance indicates that numerous government interventions have effectively improved literacy rates, employment opportunities, and political representation in women, but there remain resilience and economic issues. It is the enforcement, mass awareness, socio-cultural factors that cripple the best of policies. More inclusive and targeted policies addressing the root causes of gender inequality are, therefore, needed, as the study shows. Strengthening legal provisions, improving women’s access to finances, and promoting gender-sensitive education in schools and colleges are imperative to secure sustainable empowerment. The paper concludes with policy recommendations that encourage a comprehensive and intersectional framework of women’s empowerment so as to achieve sustainable socio-economic and political inclusion.

Keywords— Women empowerment, Gender equality, Government policies, Political participation, Economic inclusion, Social welfare