A REFLECTION ON THE ROLES OF NIGERIAN FEMALE ACTIVISTS IN CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENTS

Women have been at a disadvantage since the beginning of human history and this is triggered by several prejudices and patriarchal order. Discrimination against women created the concept of feminism as a gender based political and social movement, which advocates for social, political and economic equality and equity for men and women in any given society. Using desk review, the paper reflects on the changing roles of Nigerian women over the years in civil right movements and examines the challenges and prospects vis-à-vis women's rights in Nigeria. The study found evidence of progression in the role of Nigerian women in civil rights movements and it concludes that women have struggled for equality against oppression for centuries and although battles have been won, women are still disproportionally affected by all forms of violence and discrimination in every sphere of life.