Middle East Crisis and Gender Inequities in Nigeria: Effects on Household Welfare, Employment, and Women’s Economic Survival

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between the Middle East crisis and gender inequities in Nigeria with particular emphasis on household welfare, employment, and women’s economic survival. The persistent political instability and armed conflicts in the Middle East, especially tensions involving Iran and other regional actors, have generated global economic disruptions affecting oil prices, inflation, food security, and transportation costs across developing nations. Nigeria, despite being a major crude oil producer, remains economically vulnerable to external oil market fluctuations because of its dependence on imported refined petroleum products and fragile economic structures. The study adopted a qualitative review approach using existing scholarly literature, policy reports, newspaper publications, and international development reports to analyze how the Middle East crisis has contributed to widening gender disparities in Nigeria. Findings revealed that women bear disproportionate socioeconomic burdens during periods of global economic instability due to their concentration in informal employment, caregiving responsibilities, and low-income livelihood activities. The crisis has negatively affected household welfare through rising food prices, transportation costs, and declining purchasing power. It has also weakened women’s participation in economic activities by reducing business profitability, increasing unemployment vulnerability, and expanding unpaid domestic labour. Furthermore, the study found that women adopt difficult survival mechanisms such as multiple informal jobs, reduction in food consumption, and increased dependency burdens to cope with worsening economic conditions. The paper concluded that the Middle East crisis has intensified existing gender inequalities in Nigeria and exposed the structural vulnerabilities affecting women’s economic and social well-being. The study recommended gender-responsive economic policies, social protection programmes, employment support initiatives, and improved investment in women’s economic empowerment as strategies for reducing the adverse effects of global crises on Nigerian women.