CULTURAL PRACTICES AND TRADITIONAL BELIEFS AS IMPEDIMENTS TO THE ENJOYMENT OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The article considered the growing interest in human rights as it is affected by cultural practices in relation to women in different communities in Nigeria. It pointed out some of the cultural practices that bedevil the womenfolk, rendering them virtually impossible to realize their full potentials as human beings, in the light of the third millennium. The article analyzed some culture and traditional beliefs such as inheritance of men by their deceased husband’s relations, windows succession rights, bride price and dowry, child and forced marriages. The article concluded by making suggestions that would enhance the enjoyment of the rights of women in Nigeria in the third millennium.