Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Online published on 13 February, 2014.
The study investigated the level of women economic empowerment and women's participation in development processes in Nsukka. Five hundred and ten (510) copies of questionnaire were administered to the female respondents who were randomly selected from the three autonomous communities in Nsukka Town. The findings show that factors such as restriction of women by their husbands, ignorance of the existence of empowerment initiatives and lack of interest among women have hindered women to take advantage of existing empowerment initiatives. It was found that Nsukka women participate in some development processes especially in agricultural production activities, and belonging to women's organizations. It was also discovered following the testing of the hypotheses that the higher the income level of women, the higher their participation in development processes. The study also showed that poor economic base, illiteracy, and discriminatory attitude of males have restricted women's participation in development processes. A major implication of these findings is that if women become economically empowered, that their participation in development processes will be greatly enhanced. It was recommended that programmes for women upliftment must integrate the vital dimensions of empowerment such as formation of social capitals, provision of financial and credit support systems, and enterprises and need-based skill development through training
