WOMEN ON CORPORATE BOARDS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF GENDER INCLUSIVENESS UNDER CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper compares the gender inclusivity of corporate boards in the United Kingdom and Nigeria. Women now hold more than 40% of board seats in FTSE 100 businesses in the UK due to the Corporate Governance Code and voluntary targets like the Hampton-Alexander Review. Nigeria, on the other hand, has made less progress, with women holding around 19% of board seats, mostly in the finance industry. The corporate governance frameworks in the two countries differ in their level of development; Nigeria's continues to be challenged by cultural norms while the UK's is strengthened by the law. The study's conclusion highlights how Nigeria might learn from the UK's improved corporate accountability and clear diversity targets.