Societal Factors and Women’s Working Experience in the Nigerian Banking Industry

This study examines the influence of societal factors on women’s working experience in the Nigerian banking industry. Specifically, the study examined the influence of women’s participation in the workforce, domestic responsibilities, and caring responsibilities on their working experience. The study adopted a qualitative case study approach and collected data through semi-structured interviews with 40 banking employees, comprising 20 males and 20 females. Participants were selected using snowball sampling, while the interview data were analysed thematically. The study revealed that women’s participation in the banking workforce has increased due to improved access to education, changing economic conditions, and changing social attitudes towards women’s employment. However, traditional patriarchal expectations continue to influence women’s employment and career decisions. The study also showed that domestic responsibilities, including cooking, cleaning, and household management, remain largely associated with women and can create additional pressure when combined with demanding banking roles. Caring responsibilities, particularly childcare, were also found to influence women’s working experience, with women relying on extended family members, nannies, crèches, and other childcare arrangements to remain in full-time employment. The study concludes that women’s working experience is shaped not only by workplace conditions but also by wider societal expectations concerning employment, domestic duties, and family care. The study recommends equal opportunities for women, flexible work arrangements, and stronger childcare and family-friendly support within the banking industry.