The number of women in leadership position across the country in this present century have not matched up with that of the male counterpart. Although women are now holding leadership position, it is pertinent to note that, Nigerian women today are still living in a male dominated society as women occupy few leadership positions in the country. This therefore is an issue that needs a critical appraisal. Women are often times described as strong, intelligent and highly supportive of their male counterparts, but they are sometimes still relegated to the background. This paper examines women in leadership positions in Nigeria, it discusses the problems and challenges hindering women from holding such leadership positions, it also examines the prospects derived by women and the nation at large, and it made recommendation on the need for women to be empowered and encouraged to aspire for political leadership and governance position, which is critical to societal and human development.

KEYWORDS: women leadership, human development, leadership positions, literacy