Journal of Business & Economic Policy

Analysis of Diversity Management and Gender Policies in the Public Sector and NGOs of Nigeria
Josephine Dibie, Ph.D; Robert Dibie, Ph.D; Justina Sam Okere, Ph.D

Abstract
This paper investigates diversity management and gender policies in the public sector and NGOs of Nigeria. It explores the following research questions: what is the nature of diversity management practice in government and NGOs sectors in Nigeria? What forms of diversity management concept is practice by NGOs and governments in Nigeria? Are managers in governments and NGOs in Nigeria becoming aware of the importance of diversity management? To address these questions, the study uses data on NGOs that provides major capacity building projects (i.e., women education, legal rights and entrepreneurship projects) and government programs for combating discrimination against women in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. Interviews, questionnaires and focus group research methods were also used to evaluate the performance of the government of Nigeria and NGOs with respect to the empowerment of women in the country. On one hand, results point toward a negative relationship between government and women empowerment policies. On the other hand, result shows a positive correlation between NGOs and women empowerment in Nigeria. Further, cultural, religious, social and economic factors as well as the lack of effective implementation of gender policies continue to militate against the integration of women in the country. Our research includes a survey of 2,250 women that have either previously worked or are currently employed in government or NGOs institutions. One striking finding is that NGOs are practicing diversity management more than government agencies in Nigeria in Northwest, Northeast and North-central zone political zones. While about 21 percent of women and other minority groups have move from middle management to senior management in NGOs, only 15 person of the same group have excel in public institutions. The results of this study have implications for diversity management in the context of women projects management and governments’ political willingness to collaborate with NGOs in addressing women’s empowerment and appropriate capacity-building issues in Nigeria.

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