IMPACT OF WOMENS EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMMES ON WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Ahmed Aliyu Tijani , Francis O. Onu and Bilyaminu Suleiman Muhammed
Volume 12 Issue 3
Abstract
Women in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, continue to face persistent barriers in education, healthcare, and economic participation despite the existence of empowerment programmes designed to address these challenges. These gaps raise concerns about the actual effectiveness of such initiatives in fostering women’s development. This study investigated the impact of women s empowerment programmes on womens access to economic resources and participation in decision making processes. A survey research design was employed, targeting women aged 18-65 years across Lafia, Akwanga, and Keffi Local Government Areas, with a sample size of 400 respondents determined using Taro Yamane s formula. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including regression analysis. The findings revealed that empowerment programmes significantly enhanced women’s economic empowerment by improving access to credit, entrepreneurship, and financial independence . However, empowerment programmes did not significantly predict women’s participation in decision making , although descriptive evidence indicated increased involvement in household, community, and institutional roles. The study concludes that while empowerment initiatives are effective in improving women’s economic opportunities, structural and cultural barriers continue to impede their leadership and decision making capacity. It recommends strengthening economic empowerment programmes alongside implementing institutional reforms and advocacy strategies that ensure women’s meaningful inclusion in governance. Keywords: Women, Empowerment, Economic Resources, Decision Making
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