Institutionalization of gender mainstreaming in Nasarawa state institute for vocational and technical education: A survey of evidence

Abstract

A glance at most institutions and organizations in Nigeria shows imbalance in the area of gender. Most policies in most organizations are not gender sensitive. This study examines the institutionalization of gender mainstreaming in Nasarawa State Institute of Vocational and Technical Education as a means of achieving sustainable development in Nasarawa State and Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Descriptive statistics was used in the analysis of data. Findings indicated the availability of policies or procedures in place that promote gender equality at the vocational institute indicating that gender mainstreaming has been institutionalized in the institute. Findings equally revealed the strategies of gender mainstreaming adopted in the institute to include incorporation of gender sensitive content into curricula, equal access to training opportunities, providing gender-sensitive material and resources among others. Findings also revealed that a gender issue that has not been attended to is that there is no access to child care facility at the center. It was recommended that Stakeholders and gender advocates should constantly visit the institute for facility check and appraisal of the affairs of the institute to ensure they always conform to the philosophy of gender mainstreaming. It was also recommended that individuals who are gender sensitive should be the ones to be appointed at management level in order to sustain the achievement so far.