Contributions of Women Empowerment Strategies: And Poverty Reduction in Isoko South L.G.A Delta State

Abstract

No doubt, women empowerment programmes cannot be overemphasized due to its positive contribution in poverty reduction and overall development of the society, particularly in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State. In view of the above, this study was guided by the following research questions: (1) what are the available women empowerments programmes aimed at poverty reductions in Isoko South L.G.A., Delta State (2) What are the obstacles militating against effective women empowerment programmes in Isoko South L.G.A., Delta State? The objectives of the study are to determine the available women empowerment programmes aimed at poverty reductions in Isoko South L.G.A., Delta State. The study adopted Feminist theory for its analytical framework. The study adopted both survey and documentary methods of data collection, descriptive/inferential statistics and content analysis method for the analysis of both primary and secondary data. The study revealed that there were existing women empowerment programmes in Isoko South L.G.A. of Delta State which the women were actually aware, but never participated actively due to lack of proper sensitization and commitment on the part of government and its agencies. Furthermore, it also revealed the various obstacles such inconsistency of the personnel, poor funding, amongst other things, militated against the effectiveness of women empowerment programmes and the active participation of the women in such programmes. The study recommended for commitment, fairness and transparency in discharging of duties on the part of the government; and policy sustainability of women empowerment programmes.