International women's day in Nigeria: the paradox of gender visibility and inequality.

Nigeria's celebration of International Women's Day (IWD) has evolved from the era of federal government observances in the 1980s to corporate commemorations. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, where IWD is celebrated annually amid a huge number of women affected by gender-based discrimination. In decades of expanding women's awareness, IWD has witnessed a mix of celebrations, commercial fanfare, and protests. It has become a platform for belonging politics, show of achievement, and commercial mobilization. In all of this, the gender gap remains grossly disproportionate. Amid many challenges facing women in Nigeria, IWD is celebrated with images and presence of accomplished women. This study argues that Nigerian government appropriates IWD into state legitimation exercises and uses the day to publicize social welfare programs without addressing the underlying gender inequality. In addition, corporate commercialization of IWD in Nigeria has not addressed structural inequality. Demonstration of achievement for a few women is not tantamount to overall women's liberation, and Nigeria's IWD often substitutes the show of individual achievements for collective liberation. Drawing on a focus group discussion with twelve Nigerian women and field semi-structured interviews conducted during IWD events in Nigeria, the study situates its analysis on women's testimonies. This study concludes that while flamboyant IWD celebrations are good for women in their own terms, Nigerian women must shun patriarchal femocracy and sustain protests given the marginal position of women in the nation.