DECIPHERING GENDER DISPARITIES IN SOCIOECONOMIC CUM CULTURAL, AND RELIGIOUS PRACTICES IN AFRICA

Demographically, more than half of the African population are women. Nevertheless, disparities in allusion to gender lingers at the apex of contemporary issues, especially in Africa. For several decades, women have been longstanding and continuously sidelined from the socioeconomic, cultural, and religious leadership positions and participation. Gender disparities, therefore, seem to be deeply embedded in socioeconomic, cultural, and religious practices in Africa. Despite the multifarious national and international legislations endorsed against gender disparities, there remains a great lacuna of women’s marginalization in governance. The study illuminated the gender disparities with the aid of historical and analytical evaluation as well as the social role theoretical framework. This was further combined with the explanatory and exploratory qualitative research design. This was effective in understanding the numerous drivers for gender disparities as well as the social gender roles and norms, the general exploitative nature of marriage, cultural legacies, politics, and religion in the African context vis a vis western world. This paper also discovered that although women are as intellectually capable as men, ostracism of women remains evident across diverse echelons of human civilization including democratic societies. The research found that some critical factors such as economic impediments, lack of or inadequate education, and religious belief, foster gender disparities in Africa. This research recommended an overhaul of the patriarchal education and curriculum, the analysis and study of religious books must be in accordance with the transformed sociological realities. Moreover, equality must be evidenced in the recruitment process of qualified men and women in governance. The paper concluded that the inflexible and barbaric cultural stereotypes and religious practices be reformed with consideration to gender parity. A standard shift is essential especially by women themselves, to ensure that women are both enlightened and empowered.