Effects Of Women Empowerment On Their Socioeconomic Life In Oye Local Government, Ekiti State

ABSTRACT

This study investigated that investing in womens empowerment is central to sustainable national

development regarding the key variables that influence and is responsible for maintaining or

changing the structure of womens disposition within the prisms of their empowerment. With

Nigerias female population estimated at 83 million (about 49 percent of the countrys over 170

million people), the need for financial inclusion of women to boost development and employment

opportunities is becoming increasingly urgent. The aim of this research is to assess the impact of

women empowerment on their socio-economic life.

The study was carried out in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State with a total ofl 36,

800 inhabitants. The autonomous community was represented by a total of 110 women/or the

questionnaire survey. Considering the nature of the present study, Men were included in the InDepth

Interview. This is to enable the researcher obtain the views of men on the issues in the

study. Thus, fifteen men and fifteen women were selected from each of the autonomous

communities making a total of 3 0 people for the In-depth Interview. This gave a total ol J .:/0

respondents for the study making use of both Primary and Secondary Data.

The quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)

software. Statistical means such as percentages, bar chart, pie chart and frequency tables. The

study also reveals that womens participation in development is still low. It was observed that

many factors still constitute barriers to active participation of women in development processes.

In conclusion 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.