The Role of Male Allies in Advancing Gender Equality in Nigerian Workplaces for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Nigeria, a country with a diverse and dynamic workforce, has made significant strides towards gender equality in recent years, but persistent disparities persevere. The research investigates the motivations, actions, and impact of male allies who actively support the empowerment of women in their workplaces. The objectives include to assess the tangible impact of male allyship in promoting gender equality and sustainable development. The study employs the survey questionnaire which were purposively shared to 100 staff of Bingham University, Karu, Nigeria, to shed light on the evolving landscape of gender dynamics in Nigerian workplaces. The Intersectionality and Bystander Intervention theories were adopted to help understand the role of male allies in advancing gender equality in Nigerian workplaces for sustainable development. The study concluded that Gender equality is not singularly a woman's issue instead it is a societal issue that requires collective effort and the support of both men and women, therefore, male allies play a critical role in dismantling the barriers that hinder women's progress in the workplace, which in turn contributes to sustainable development. Findings suggest that male allies play a pivotal role in breaking down traditional gender barriers, fostering workplace diversity, and advancing women's careers. Amongst the recommendations was that there is need for organizations to offer leadership and allyship training to male employees in managerial positions to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to actively promote gender equality within their organizations.