GENDER PATTERNS OF PARTICIPATION IN CEMENT BUSINESS IN IBADAN METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

 While works exist on the informal economy sector of Africa generally, and the gender asymmetry inherent in many sections of the sector, more works are needed to interrogate the emerging patterns as meso and micro levels. It is against this background that this article examines the patterns of participation of men and women in selling of cement in Ibadan metropolis. Exploratory research design was adopted for the study that informed this article. Purposive sampling was used to select Bodija Ojurin, Eleyele, Moniya, Ajibode-Laniba, Are, Agbowo, Jericho and Ologun Eru as research settings because they were major cement clusters in Ibadan. The research participants were active female and male cement sellers and sales representatives of cement companies. 44 In-depth Interviews (IDIs) were conducted with the cement sellers and two Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted with sales representatives of cement companies. NVIVO 15 software for qualitative data analysis was used to analyse data through content and thematic analyses. Findings suggest there is dominance of male participation. There is overwhelming male control of the sector even though women are emerging as active players in the industry. Cultural norms and physical demands are key factors contributing to male-domination of landscape. There is persistent sustenance of gendered nature of the cement business which highlights challenges and shifts in gender participation patterns. Gender plays crucial roles in the informal economy of Ibadan particularly and in Africa generally. Stakeholders across levels should continue to factor gender into policies and interventions targeting informal economy in Ibadan, Nigeria and Africa.

Keywords: Gender and Informal Economy, Gender and Cement in Ibadan, Male Dominance in Cement Business