Gender Equality, Gender Inequality, and Gender Complementarity： Insights from Igbo Traditional Culture

The aim of this paper is to examine some theories of gender with a view to use them as bases for evaluating, assessing, and analyzing gender equality and inequality in Igbo traditional culture. In pursuance of this aim, particular attention will be paid to Igbo leadership practice. Were men and women equal in traditional Igbo culture？ If they were, which theories of gender equality are thereby corroborated and which are refuted？ Was the political landscape of the traditional Igbo a male terrain or was there a balance between men and women？ What was the degree of participation of both men and women？ The paper lays down certain criteria in order to determine equal or unequal or complementary status. These include access to resources, autonomy, and power. One or two lessons are drawn from the insights.