INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI) ISSN No. 231-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI | Volume X Issue V May 2023 www.rsisinternational.org Page 136 Gender Inequality: An Ethnolinguistic Analysis of Salon Conversation among Yoruba Women in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Ibadan, Nigeria Oyetayo A. Bankale University of Ibadan, Nigeria DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10514 Received: 15 April 2023; Revised: 16 May 2023; Accepted: 20 May 2023; Published: 24 June 2023 Abstract: This paper interrogates women-talk in selected salons in parts of Ibadan North Local Government Area, Nigeria through the Ethnolinguistic framework to determine perspectives towards gender equity/inequality in a bid to propose way forward, and within the salon space and hair value. The research is largely quantitative and data collection on observatory participant basis. Secondary data on gender equity was also obtained through literature. True equity lies in achieving the intended societal impact of gender equity which is for the individual to be genuinely liberated and free to function optimally. The different postures and perspectives of the Yoruba woman present with issues in terms of gender equity and desires that should not be overlooked in the design of policies meant to liberate them within their respective contexts. Gender equity needs to be clearly defined within the context of peoples and their cultures. Keywords: Gender Inequality, Salon, Yoruba women, South West Nigeria I. Introduction The wave of the social construct, gender equity, has not swept swiftly across the globe at a speed envisaged by originators of the legacy in view of differences in culture and governance. Some societies particularly within Africa still present with inequalities after a century and a half milestone struggles against it. Attempts by multicultural nations like Nigeria to eradicate inequalities and implant sustainable development has met with great challenges in view of excessive inequalities in the economic, power/leadership, educational, ethno-religious domains. Gender inequality is a social construct regarding what society accords to females and males while equality means persons are provided with the same resources and opportunities; and equity can be defined as recognition of differences amongst persons and the allocation of equivalent resources and opportunities for each to achieve equal outcome. Much scholarship exists on gender equity/equality as it is a prerequisite for sustainable development, a benchmark for national and institutional advancement as well as being fundamental to solving problems. Equity or fairness serves the interest of all and sundry in every area and facet of life regardless of an individual’s biological make up which is not by his or her own making but by birth. In simple terms gender equity means fairness in access to opportunities and resources regardless of gender. Everyone has a level playing ground and access to all resources and opportunities. Nations are today interested in ensuring a culture that is gender sensitive in all aspects of operations. This paper, through ethnolinguistic analysis of women-talk, in selected hairdressing salons within the Ibadan North Local Government Area in south western Nigeria, especially as regards family life and homes, reveals disconnect between the talks and the quest for equity. This study therefore examines the following research questions: What are the perspectives of women towards gender equality/inequality, how can women be educated on gender equity and inequality and what is the role of the salon space and hair in women talk? Some of the 18 grievances listed by Stanton in her ‘Declaration of Sentiments’; considered to be areas of life where women are treated unjustly, seem to be controversial in some cultures. Such ‘injustices’ against women, include husbands having legal p ower over their wives and being responsible for them, whereby women are robbed of their self-confidence and self-respect, and being made totally dependent on men. Many nations are yet to catch the vision of this movement, whereby a society is more egalitarian, making living the legacy is non-uniform. Nigeria being a multicultural society, records great diversity in attitude to gender equity and inequality. There are several shades of acceptance of the gender equity legacy. This is due to the socio-cultural values, role of religion in the lives of the people, and the degree of literacy, especially among the female gender. The objectives of this work are to examine the perspectives of women towards gender equity/inequality, to determine how women can be educated on gender equity/inequality and to identify the role of the salon space and hair in women talk.