THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to assessthe role of local government in the economic empowerment of womenin three autonomous communities that make up Nsukka, namely, Nru, Ihe/Owerre and Nkpunanor autonomous communities. The general main objective of this study was to assess the role of local government in the economic empowerment of women. In addition to this main objective, other objectives were stated. These objectives include, to identify the empowerment initiatives available to women in Nsukka, to ascertain the ways in which women have been empowered economically; to identify the areas in which women have participated most in economic; political and educational process; to identify the factors which may militate against full empowerment and participation of Nsukka women in development processes; In line with these objectives, research questions were also raises and hypotheses postulated to guide the study.

Two instruments: questionnaire and in-depth interview were used for data collection and the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. A total sample of 540 respondents was chosen for this study. Five hundred and ten (510) copies of the questionnaire were administered and were duly completed and collected. An in-depth interview (IDI) which involved 15 men and 15 women, was also conducted to complement the survey instrument (questionnaire). The results of the study show that the higher the educational level of women the higher their participation in development processes. This corroborates the assertions of Ahmed (1992), Rahman and Naoroze (2007), and Meena et al (2008).  On the relationship between income level and women’s participation in development process, the findings show that the higher the income level of women the higher their participation in development processes. This appear to corroborate Hoque and Itohara (2009), and  Garikipati (2008) studies. Recommendations include; the enactment into law of National gender policy to provide a legal framework for gender mainstreaming in the national development plans and strategies; there should be coalition among women organizations and groups, re-orientation of men’s mind set on women’s empowerment and participation could greatly enhance women’s empowerment. This could be achieved through seminars, training and workshops.etc.

TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

1.2       Statement of the Problem

1.3       Research Questions

1.4       Objectives of the Study

1.5       Significance of the Study

1.6       Operational Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW 

2.1.     Review of empirical literature on impact of empowerment

2.2       Review of theoretical literature

2.2.1             Concept of women empowerment

2.2.2             The need for educational empowerment

2.2.3             Justification for economic and political empowerment of women

2.3     Theoretical Review

2.3.1 Conflict approach

2.3.2 General Systems theory

2.3.3 Social action perspective

2.3.4 Empowerment perspectives

2.4 Theoretical framework

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1       Research Design

3.2       Study Area and Population

3.3       Study population

3.4       Sample size and sampling procedure

3.5 Instrument for data Collection

3.6 Instrument administration

3.7 Method of data Analysis

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION

4.2       Results of the Major Issues in the Study

4:3: Test of Hypotheses

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1       Summary

5.2       Conclusion

5.3       Recommendation

REFERENCES

QUESTIONNAIRE

INTERVIEW

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

              1.1       BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Empowering women has become a frequently cited goal of development intervention

(Mosedale, 2005). In 1970s when women empowerment was first invoked by the Third World feminist and women organizations, it was explicably used to frame and facilitate the struggle for social justice and women equality through a transformation of economic, social and political structures at national and international levels (Bisnath& Elson, 2003). The need to empower women seems to centre on the fact that women have potentials to contribute to the development process but are constrained by some factors that render them powerless. While the reasons for any particular woman’s powerlessness (or powerfulness) are many and varied, it may be necessary to consider what women have in common in this respect. The common factor is that, they are all constrained by their reproductive responsibilities, societal norms, beliefs, customs and values by which societies differentiate between them and men (Kabeer, 2000).  These constraints are shaped by male dominated social structure (patriarchy), high rate of poverty among women, and gender division of labour.

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THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN