Strategic Approach to Gender Issues in Enugu State Civil Service

Abstract

This paper examined the issue of gender mainstreaming in our society with special focus on strategic approach to gender issues in Enugu State Civil service. This study was carried out in Enugu State secretariat where the majority of the State ministries are located. Eight research questions were formulated. The main objective of the study was to ascertain the level of application of gender mainstreaming in Enugu State Civil service. Survey design was employed and population of 12,560 civil servants was used. A sample of 400 respondents was drawn through probability sampling method by cluster, stratified and simple random techniques. The data were analyzed by the use of frequency tables and simple percentages. Findings indicated that the extent of gender mainstreaming in the study area was too low; unequal distribution of position, power and privileges exist between men and women; women occupy very low status; while men occupy high status the relation of production between men and women was complementary and supplementary relation and that sexism, patriarchy, poor mainstreaming and gender discrimination are factors responsible for the women’s low status; low productivity, non- cordial relationship and poor utilization of women’s potentials were the effects of poor gender mainstreaming and that the solution to the poor gender mainstreaming include elimination of gender stratification, appropriate training in gender analysis etc; serious involvement of men in gender and development work, adequate synergy between women and men etc were recommended