A number of Nigerian men are gradually pushing for spaces in jobs hitherto dominated by women across the country, a survey reveals.

Men in the country are operating eateries, hair salons, makeup shops, fixing nails and eyelashes, and into nursing, flight attendant and secretarial roles, hitherto exclusive to women.

On Thursday, respondents in Abuja attributed the “gender breach” to the country’s high unemployment rate. They said people now no longer choose jobs, and those with skills in any area go for it irrespective of whether they would be viewed as encroaching into women’s territory.

“Unemployment is pushing most men to take up jobs long viewed exclusively as women’s jobs in Nigeria,” Jacob Tivkaa, an Uber driver, said.

He said hair styling “are well-paid jobs and men venture into them and even take it up as a full-time career.”

Samuel Okai, a cosmetologist in Gwagwalada, said he ventured into the business because of the harsh economic situation.

“I am not a lazy person, so when I could not find a job, I decided to make good use of myself by becoming a cosmetologist. I have been in this line of business for 10 years and I am glad that I started. I am now an employee of labour,” said Mr Okai. “I have about six staff and seven trainees under me.”

He added, “I make averagely about N60,000 daily, and I pay my staff much more than the national minimum wage. In our line of business, we pay the staff members per hour, so I pay my staff five thousand per hour.”

A resident of Garki, Victoria Folowosele, said the male hairstylists she patronised were good.

“Most male hairstylists are really good in some specific hairdos and nail treatments than some females. The world is changing. I remember back in the days when we looked at male stylists as gay, but this is not the situation now,” Ms Folowosele explained.

She said, “Sometimes when they fix your hair, you’ll think you’re wearing a wig because the weavings underneath aren’t pronounced, and when you pack the hair upward, the whole thing just looks real. I think these guys have studied hair-making after seeing where female hairstylists are missing it.”

Victor Oloruntoba, a confidential secretary, said he was comfortable with his job.

“I don’t believe that there are specific jobs for women and males. My belief is that as long as you are good and okay in a job and that the job gives you the money you need, then do it,” stated Mr Oloruntoba. “I am okay with my job.”

Rejoice Ukoh, a civil servant, said she was comfortable with male nurses “because they are more caring in carrying out their duties, while some of the female nurses are often harsh and hard to deal with.”

Layi Bakare, a businessman, said it was queer for men to engage in business activities largely reserved for women, such as cosmetology, secretarial jobs and flight attendants.

“I look at them as if they are gay. I don’t support men in this line of jobs at all,” said Mr Bakare.

(NAN)