Strengthening the Gender Balance: Women and Decision-Making in Oil Producing Communities in the Niger Delta

Abstract

In most Nigerian communities, participation in decision making is gendered, reflecting the structure of the dominant patriarchal ideology. The advent of the petroleum industry in the country has further entrenched the problem by undermining the voices of women regarding the distribution of the benefits of the industry in host communities. This development is a stark contradiction of the efforts of the government as captured in the various international and Nigerian legislations, including the National Gender Policy (NGP 2007), to empower women and mainstream their voices in the polity. This paper examines how such marginalization manifests itself in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, particularly in modalities for compensating owners of acquired properties. Using Ugborodo community as a case study, the paper looks into how decisions in Oil and Gas related matters are taken. It focuses on how through the reiteration of existing gender bias, women are excluded from decision making regarding compensation for acquired landed properties even when the said property belong to them. With data obtained from interviews, focused group discussion and literature, the paper finds that when a property is acquired personally by a woman, she is included in negotiation meetings with the oil company. However, when it is a gift from her father or relation, she is summarily excluded except she “forces” herself to such meetings. It was also discovered that although women know there are laws protecting their rights, including the right to participate in oil and gas decision-making in their communities, they have not heard of the NGP. The paper’s conclusion is that poor implementation of the gender policy as well as the plethora of laws meant to protect the rights of women has not enhanced the participation of women in oil and gas decision making in oil producing communities.