The Role of Women Empowerment and Its Impact on the Economic Growth of the Country
CHAPTER ONE
Objectives of the Study
The broad objective of this study is to examine the role of women empowerment and its impact on the economic growth of the country. The specific objectives include:
- to examine the impacts of women empowerment on the economic development of Nigeria
- to investigate the roles of government in encouraging women empowerment in Nigeria
- to inquire the available empowerment resources that will motivate women to participate in empowerment programmes in Nigeria
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Review Of Related Literature
Much of what we know about women‟s economic empowerment has been a long-term struggle. Just like their role in development which gained momentum in the latter part of the 1980s, the women’s international conference which took place in Beijing, China in 1995 brought about enhanced awareness of the Nigerian women who participated actively, Attoe (2012). Despite these efforts, women’s economic empowerment on a general note has not been sufficiently emphasized. But they have remained resolute to ensure that they contribute to national development.
In pre-colonial times, the Nigerian economy was barely at a subsistence level, yet women contributed by participating effectively to sustain their kin groups. Aside from the role of being wives and mothers, who took charge of the domestic sector, they substantially contributed to the production and distribution of goods and services. In the agricultural sector, for example, Attoe (2012) points to the fact that, depending on the region, women took part in processing food. In the then eastern part, palm kernels and cassava were processed into palm oil and garri respectively by these women. In the coastal areas, they were involved in fish drying, while pottery making and weaving was done by the women in parts of western and northern Nigeria. Even the women in purdah in some northern parts of Nigeria were involved in food processing and also traded with the aid of their children. Most often, these women supplied the means of sustenance for entire households.
The colonial period relegated women to the background as Attoe (2012) stated that this did not allow them to grow economically because the colonial economy was an export-oriented one, and this seriously undermined the women. It enhanced the economic status of the British, some Lebanese and Nigerian males, while the traditional occupations of the women were placed at a disadvantaged position. The smaller markets hitherto dominated by women gradually disintegrated as a result of expatriate firms such as John Holt, United African Company (UAC), Lever Brothers and the like.
The women’s economic power was negatively affected since they were denied access to medium and large- scale loans which were vital in operating at the bulk purchase level of the colonial economy. In agriculture also, the cash crop incentives, technology, and innovations were restricted to men. In the post-colonial period, it was, however, a difficult ball-game. There was massive exodus of able-bodied men who were given in to wage labor; therefore, the women were left to take over an increasing burden of production. In the agricultural sector, the percentage of women involved had raised significantly.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitute of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried out to examine the Role Of Women Empowerment And Its Impact On The Economic Growth Of The Country. selected women entrepreneurs in Lagos State, Nigeria form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of hundred and twenty (120) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which 100 were returned. The analysis of this study is based on the number returned.
The table above shows the age distribution of respondents. 24% of the respondents are between the age bracket of 20-30 years; 47% which constituted the majority are between the age bracket of 31-40 years and 29% are above 40 years.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction
This chapter summarizes the findings on The Role Of Women Empowerment And Its Impact On The Economic Growth Of The Country, Lagos State as case study. The chapter consists of summary of the study, conclusions, and recommendations.
Summary of the Study
In this study, our focus was on The Role Of Women Empowerment And Its Impact On The Economic Growth Of The Country, Lagos State as case study. The study is was specifically focused on examining the impacts of women empowerment on the economic development of Nigeria, to investigate the roles of government in encouraging women empowerment in Nigeria and inquiring the available empowerment resources that will motivate women to participate in empowerment programmes in Nigeria.
The study adopted the survey research design and randomly enrolled participants in the study. A total of 100 responses were validated from the enrolled participants where all respondent are selected women entrepreneurs in Lagos State, Nigeria.
Conclusions
With respect to the analysis and the findings of this study, the following conclusions emerged;
Women can be described as an indispensable group in the development of any nation. Women’s empowerment creates a powerful influence on community, family and the nation at large. Thus, women empowerment can be seen as a vital strategy for any development effort. Although some initiatives have been established by government, non- governmental bodies and individual, some factors have constituted constraints to women’s involvement in these initiatives. Ignorance of the existence of these initiatives, lack of interest among women and restriction from husbands and other males have denied women access to these initiatives.
The study revealed that income level and educational level have significant relationships with women’s participation in development processes. This supports the view of Lasiele (1999) that preference to boy child education has to low educational empowerment of women which has led to their poor participation in development process. He further asserts that poor economic bases of women have also affected women’s participation in development processes. Thus, to help improve the participation of Nsukka women in development processes, they should be empowered politically, educational and economically.
The study also reveals that women’s participation in development is still low. It was observed that many factors still constitute barriers to active participation of women in development processes. There is need for government, non governmental bodies and individuals to work hand in hand in eliminating or reducing these constraints in order to create a conducive environment for women to actively participate in the development process. This will lead to sustainable development in Nigeria.
Recommendation
Based on the findings the researcher recommends that;
- The National gender policy should be enacted into laws to provide a legal framework for gender mainstreaming in the national development plans and strategies.
- There should be coalition among women organizations and groups. This will help them share experiences and be able to tackle problems facing women. Women groups could be used as an effective mechanism for information dissemination, social and mutual learning, institutionalized process for capacity building and empowerment.
- Considering the relationship between income level of women and their participation in development processes as illustrated by the findings of this study, programmes for women upliftment must integrate the vital dimensions such as formation of social capitals, provision of financial and credit support systems, and enterprises and need based skill development through training. This should also include regular monitoring of women to ensure that they invest their resources in something meaningful to give them some degree of economic independence.
- 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.
- Women should be given unlimited access to education and media. Through these, women will come to realize the scopes and opportunities through which they can improve their status in the society.
Suggestions for Further Research
– It will be interesting to conduct a research that will discover the available empowerment initiatives in rural communities in Mainland local government area since this study was carried out in an urban community.
– The existing empowerment initiatives should be evaluated to determine the problem which the organizers encounter in the process of executing these initiatives.
– Other researches should be carried out in other rural communities in Mainland local government to assess the level of women’s participation in development activities in the rural areas.
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