AN EVALUATION OF COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES AND SOCIO ECONOMIC INCLUSION OF WOMEN IN ENUGU STATE OF NIGERIA.

Abstract

Cooperatives in Nigeria play a significant role in promoting women's empowerment. The global recognition of women as pivotal contributors to employment generation, human development, and poverty reduction is widely acknowledged. However, in emerging market economies like Nigeria, rural women often face multifaceted challenges, including social, cultural, educational, and technological obstacles, which hinder them from reaching their full potential. Numerous studies have produced inconclusive results regarding the relationship between cooperative societies and women's empowerment. This research seeks to expand the existing body of knowledge by assessing the impact of cooperative societies on the socio-economic inclusion of women in Enugu State, Nigeria. To achieve the objectives of this study, primary data sources were employed. The data collection process involved interviews, questionnaires, and focus-group discussions, with subsequent analysis utilizing descriptive statistics. The findings of the study revealed that women's participation in cooperatives is rather limited. Almost 95% of the respondents are engaged in farming and other activities, while only 5% are involved in paid employment. It was also observed that 85% of the respondents joined their cooperatives to access financial resources and enhance their bargaining power. However, the results suggest that while women who are members of cooperatives have experienced improvements in their income, livestock holdings, autonomous decision-making, and spending capacity, the sustainability of these gains is limited. Participation in important cooperative affairs and managerial positions remains low, and access to training opportunities for women members is constrained. As a result, both governmental and non-governmental organizations should prioritize gender equality in their capacity-building programs for cooperative members.