INTERROGATION OF GENDER STERIOTYPES IN THE MORAL ROLES OF TIV MEN AND WOMEN FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS NIGERIA

This paper evaluates the contributions of both men and women in the development of Tiv society considering their physical strength and wisdom according to gender roles. Given the physical strength and their natural endowment, the Tiv men work harder than the women. Women are so endowed with the womb, the kitchen and the cradle. This compels the women to work for longer hours than their male counterpart in order to complement each other‘s roles for the development of their families and society. The duty of the husband is to provide food, while the wife makes sure that the food is ready on the table for consumption by the family. She takes care of the entire home, cleaning the house and the environment and prepares the children for school etc. With the vital roles women play in the family, are they recognized and given their rightful place in the Tiv society? This paper examines the basic issues of gender equality in a typical Tiv society. Based on its finding, the paper recommends that customs which discriminate against women be eradicated and all impediments to girl child education in Tiv society be reviewed positively so that women can be empowered in all spheres of life including politics in order to maximize achievement of their potentials for societal development.