Women Empowerment and Economic Development of Selected communities in Afikpo North Local Government of Ebonyi State

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between women empowerment and economic development in selected communities of Afikpo North Local Government Area, Ebonyi State. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using frequency counts, percentages and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between provision of hair-dressing equipment and reduction in unemployment among women (r = 0.684, p < 0.05). The study also found a significant positive relationship between provision of soft loans and increased standard of living (r = 0.721, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the findings established a significant positive relationship between skill acquisition training and increased job opportunities among women (r = 0.756, p < 0.05). Based on these findings, all three null hypotheses were rejected. The study concluded that women empowerment interventions involving productive equipment, accessible financial resources and relevant skills training are significantly associated with improved economic outcomes among women in the study area. The study recommends, among other measures, that government and relevant development agencies should expand the provision of productive equipment, make soft loans accessible at affordable interest rates, strengthen vocational and entrepreneurial training, and link trained women with finance, markets, mentorship and other business-support services. The study further recommends that empowerment programmes should be regularly monitored and evaluated to ensure that interventions translate into sustainable employment, income generation and improved household welfare.