REMOVING THE ‘IRON CURTAIN’ OF DISCRIMINATION IN BUSINESS: ARIGHTS APPROACH TO WOMEN INCLUSION IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP INNIGERIA

Abstract

A considerable percentage of women engage in entrepreneurship in Nigeria and contribute
substantially to the economic and social structure of the country, yet their activities are
underestimated and undervalued. Women have continued to be excluded economically and
financially in business thereby negatively impacting their entrepreneurial success in Nigeria. This
situation is more prevalent in the informal sector where women play a dominant role, because of
the ease of doing business in the sector. Entrepreneurship thrives on fairness and equality in trade
or business, and on the idea that trade or business can and should alleviate poverty and bring
development to the business owner. Nevertheless, barriers such as gender bias, financial exclusion,
cultural inhibitions, and other difficulties have created 'iron curtains' to exclude women from
entrepreneurship, thereby negatively impacting their rights to equality and development. Using
doctrinal research methodology, this article examines the participation of women in entrepreneurship in Nigeria. It further examines the challenges of women in entrepreneurship, exposing their difficulties in this regard. This article determines whether a 'rights-based approach'
to women inclusion in entrepreneurship would yield the desired result since human rights are universal and governments respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of all citizens. It proposes a targeted language model in its regulatory instruments, which is more intentional with women inclusion in business legislations and policies. It is expected that the rights-based approach would yield the desired result in ensuring that women are included in entrepreneurial policies in Nigeria.