Implementation of the CEDAW in Nigeria

The Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is an International human rights treaty, which contains the most comprehensive set of rules concerning the situation of women in many different sectors of the society, in which they have been otherwise marginalized. Women for the better part of history have been second class citizens and deeply marginalized until the first wave of feminist movements in the late 19th century, which sought for the enfranchisement of women and the right to property. The CEDAW was/is a major and huge step to combating the social, political, and religious marginalization that women have for so long endured, but sadly still in this 21st century, women in various countries still fight for basic voting rights. This thesis is concerned with how the treaty requirements is being implemented in Nigeria; who is a signatory to the treaty and have already ratified it. Looking at its domestication and implementation, the objective would be to see the progress made by the country and offer up recommendations. Looking into the position of International Treaties in the Nigerian Legal system, we would see how policies are formed in order to meet with requirements of the treaties, focusing on both the Federal and State level, this paper will explore the measures of implementation of the CEDAW taken by the Nigerian government.