Empowering Women: Navigating Employability and Experiences in selected Banks in Lagos, Nigeria By IJISRT

Abstract

The study investigated the employability and experiences of women in selected banks located in Lagos, Nigeria. The study was exploratory and cross-sectional in nature and employed Becker's Theory of Discrimination and Liberal Feminism Theory as a framework. The data generated through In-depth and Key Informant interviews were used to establish that women have equal opportunities in the banking industry. The study found that employability in the workplace is not determined by patriarchy. Employment criteria are based on individual qualifications, which are always spelt-out in the course of the job advertisement, recruitment, and selection process. The study gathered that gender discrimination does not play a role in the employment process, and all applicants, regardless of gender, must possess the requisite skills to be considered for positions in the company. The study equally found that women are not marginalized in the workplace, and they have equal opportunities to ascend managerial cadres and make decisions. Women have what it takes to get their jobs done, and in situations where bias, discrimination, and dominance are present, women experience it more from customers rather than their male counterparts in the selected banks. The study concluded that there is no difference in employability between men and women in the selected banks. The recruiters use cognitive skills as part of the recruiting process, and it is not based on gender. Recruitment is based on the aptitude capacity of employees in the sector, and numeracy skills are likewise tested during the recruitment process. Gender discrimination should not be condoned in the banking industry, and women should be given the same opportunities as men.