The study examined the impact of gender differences on couples’
reproductive behaviour. The study was conducted in Ikeja, Ojo, Epe
respectively representing urban, semi-urban and rural local government
areas of Lagos State. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected. A
multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in the administration of 1072
structured questionnaire. Qualitative data was obtained through focus group
discussion among selected males and females in selected age- groups. The
main tool of analysis was the logistic regression employed to determine the
relationship between couples reproductive behaviour on one hand and
gender-equity variables on the other hand. The study findings indicated that
female spouses desired lower family size than male spouses. Data analyses
revealed that gender-equity in decision-making among female spouses were
low in rural and semi-urban areas while only moderate in urban areas. It
was low irrespective of type of marital union. Gender-equity in decisionmaking
on the number of children was higher for educated spouses than noneducated
spouses. Based on the findings, it was observed that gender-equity
in decision making promoted low fertility among married couples. This affirms the central role of gender-equity in reproductive behaviour. In order
to foster demographic change therefore, gender –equity in the family and
society should be addressed.