摘要:Development is a multifaceted phenomenon. In all its forms, it involves the positive transformation of all aspects society, hence the relentless investment of efforts by all societies to achieve it. Achieving development generally, and industrial development in particular, requires the effort of everyone, including women. For Nigerian women, taking up this all important responsibility has been more or less like swimming against the tide, due to the interaction of various social, cultural and biological factors. This paper x-rays the relevance of women to Nigeria’s industrial development, drawing attention to some of the obstacles to their optimal and effective participation in the process. Furthermore, the paper explores available options for change, and concluded that only when women are allowed to actively participate in industrial development via the removal of the identified obstacles, that the industrial and other forms of development in Nigeria can take a turn in the direction of meaningful success.