Abstract

The paper deals with gender issues in human resources management in Nigerian public service. It observes that successful government in Nigeria has not pursued an employment policy aimed at gender balanced, hence, female gender has suffered untold subordination and discrimination, whereas the state is supposed to accord them equal right and opportunities with their men counterparts. Despite efforts put in place at different levels, be it constitutional or otherwise, to take care of the marginalization and discrimination against women, evidence presented in this paper shows that women are still marginalized and discriminated against. The paper also observes that majority of women who work in public service occupy junior positions, and this deny them the requisite skills, training and capital to secure more lucrative and secured employment. The paper further argues that, while equal opportunity is essentially a passive concept, affirmative action is an active one, which implements equal opportunity for minorities and women. The paper suggests that various policy-making institutions should ensure that women are given equal opportunity in order to contribute to national development. The paper concludes that for any meaningful development in Nigeria, the crucial role of women must be acknowledged and appreciated.

Key words: Gender, human resource management, public service, discrimination.