Exploring Gender Inequality in Access to Education and Economic Empowerment of Women in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria
Keywords:
Economic Empowerment; Education; Gender Inequality; Rural Areas; WomenAbstract
This study investigates gender disparity in education and economic opportunities, focusing on women in rural Ndokwa West local government area of Delta state, Nigeria. The research design used is descriptive survey research. The study population sample includes 1200 women in rural Ndokwa West Delta state, selected using a simple random sampling method. The data collection tool used is a close-ended questionnaire, and the tool’s test-retest reliability was found to be .71. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The findings suggested that rural women were not entirely disadvantaged by gender inequity. They were, at various times, beneficiaries of economic empowerment and education by affluent children (sons and daughters) of Ndokwa West LGA, organisations based within the LGA, the Delta state government and non-governmental organizations. The gender inequity cases documented were a result of cultural and traditional practices. For instance, women cannot be traditional rulers in the communities, nor sit in the council of chiefs in Ndokwa West LGA of Delta state. The study concluded that in order to alleviate gender inequity, there should be increased economic empowerment of both men and women in the rural communities of the LGA
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