HUMAN RESOURCE PROCUREMENT AND GENDER PARITY IN EDO STATE PUBLIC SERVICE 2010-2020

Abstract

This paper examined human resource procurement and gender parity in Edo state. The study focuses on human resource procurement practices (recruitment and selection, placement, training and development and promotion) and issues surrounding gender parity (such as women access to education, cultural stereotypes on women leadership roles, income and purchasing power of women and policies and legislations on gender parity) in Edo State public service. The study is limited to some selected Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs) in Edo State.  The period for this study is 2010-2020. The feminist theory was used to explain the issue of human resource procurement and gender parity. Data were collected through both primary and secondary sources. The study found out that although recruitment into the Edo State Public Service, is based on gender sensitivity and open to all gender, some reservations still exists as it pertains to cultural norms and ideologies regarding the girl – child education. The study thus concludes that, cultural stereotype impact on women’s leadership role thereby limiting their access to leadership positions Based on these findings, the researcher recommends that the government should ensure that the 35% affirmative action be enacted into law and there is need for the government to vigorously pursue the education of the girl child.