Udeh etal CUJPIA (2021) 9(1) 3572-3586

Covenant University Journal of Politics & International Affairs. Vol. 9 No. 1 June 2021 ISSN: p. 3572-3586 e. 2354-3493 DOI: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Open Access Journal Available Online

Contributions of Women Empowerment Strategies: And Poverty Reduction in L.G.A

1. Celestine Ochu Udeh, Department of Political Science, University of , Nsukka. Email: [email protected] Phone no: +2348066614370 2. Odey Clarence Odey, Department of Social Science Education, University of Calabar Email: [email protected] Phone no: +2348083832918 3. Uchenna C. Obiagu, Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Email: [email protected] Phone no: +2348033746838 4. Paul Nwaforagu Ekoyo, Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Email: [email protected] phone no. +234708 892 3476 Victor Afamuefuna Onele, Department of Social Science Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Email: [email protected] Phone no: +2348106802459 Received: 08.12.2020 Accepted: 04.06.2021 Date of Publication: June, 2021

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. Keywords: Women-empowerment, Domination, Poverty-reduction, Emancipation, Gender- Equality.

URL: http://journals.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/index.php/cujpia 35 72

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CUJPIA (2021) 9(1) 3572-3586 deserved women sense of belonging by the civil Introduction society, the contemporary society naturally still upholds preference to men, and women still relegated It is a widely recognised truism that women to the background. Similarly, Okeke (2018, p. 319) irrespective of their pivotal and significant roles in the noted that “irrespective of the noticeable improvement family; and economic growth of the society at large in gender awareness globally, data on women's work are still being subjected, intimidated, dominated, and on economic contribution, their recognitions remain marginalized from point of view of traditional, social, far-fetched from comprehension and reality as long as political, economical, and other spheres of life. This cultures and traditions continue to exert an subordination which appears to be inherent and overbearing influences in the society”. hereditary via existing cultures and traditions, and has its traceable origin from the scriptural background in Thus, the situation appears so worrisome as the Bible book of 1 Peter,3-5, when the supreme experience had shown that in most third world essence (God) made woman a subjective vessel before countries with particular reference to Asia and most man, and so commanded she should remain subjective African traditional societies where evidently women to the commands of her lord (man). had been abused greatly, marginalized, discriminated against, and denied of rights in most spheres of human However, the universal declaration of human rights endeavours. Similarly, women’s subordination within (UDHRs) adopted in 1948, which was a point of the civil society is according to UNICEF (2013) a reference for the United Nations (UN) as a global reflection of cultural practices such as genital supranational authority, proclaims that all men with mutilation (FGM), which affects between 100 and 140 women inclusive are born free and equal in dignity and million women globally, out of which 915 million are rights, (Wachanial & Ndegwah, 2017). Despite, the women in Africa. The situation which seems great and UDHRs, women’s freedom, dignity and equality are worse amongst rural women who have low literacy persistently compromised by some societal laws, level and, consequently, have become mere tools in customs, religions and traditions, therefore, gave the hands of their husbands (Ebirim,2004; and Thakur preference, primacy and dominion to man over the & Naikoo, 2016). Empathetically, the relationship woman counterpart in the society. Furthermore, there between men and their women counterpart which are obvious cultural values, myths and beliefs; social ought to be complementary and mutually based turned beliefs and religions that view women negatively, thus out on symbiotic basis on one hand; and captured as making them so inferior before their men counterparts. the master-servant relationship between both sexes on Such religious languages like ‘man of God’ and the other hand. Then the rent-paying tenant (women) ‘woman is half man’, which indirectly regarded struggled over nothing endlessly even in their closest women as not of God’s creature. Consequently, such and larger society just to be recognised. languages, cultural and social denials of rights and opportunities have psychological effect on the women, Therefore, empowerment strategy over the years has particularly those in the rural areas who have little or remained an apt link to bridging the gap. To this no skills, education, social status, leadership qualities effect, the theme “empowerment” has become a and capabilities for mobilization, which directly or central point of attraction to the work of many indirectly influences the degree of their power and development organisations and non-governmental decision making in the society. This resulted to their organisations as a necessity to leverage the dark age of total dependence on men, increased their confinement women subjugation in the contemporary society to the four walls of the household, overburdened with (Luttrell, Quiro, Scrutton, & Bird, 2009). This is so domestic works and control of their mobility, and because women are generally recognised as the personal freedoms by the men, (Thakur & Naikoo, integral part of every economy in the world. All round 2016). development and harmonious growth of a nation would be possible only when women are considered However, Okunna (n.d) maintained that despite all the as equal partners in progress with men (Thakur & frantic efforts by the policy makers in assuring Naikoo, 2016). To this effect, SDC (2004) (cited in

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CUJPIA (2021) 9(1) 3572-3586 Luttrell, et al 2009, p. 2), conceptualises low status in their own world, and the need for their empowerment strategy as “emancipator process in liberation. Since women are notably considered as which the disadvantaged (women) are empowered to integral part of social, economic, and political exercise their rights, obtain access to resources and development in the society, achievement of the above participate actively in the process of shaping the women empowerment programmes require a society and making positive decisions in the globe at collective responsibility of all, such as the large”. Accordingly, women empowerment strategy governments (federal, component units and the refers to all processes increasing the spiritual, political, grassroots governments), individuals, policy makers, educational, gender and socio-economic strength of development practitioners, Non-governmental women in the society. It could also be considered as a Organisations (NGOs), amongst others. Moreover, radical project of social transformation towards with regards to multiple roles of women as farmers, enabling the otherwise excluded social groups (the household and community managers, traders, and women) to define and claim their rights against social, family caretakers, especially in the sub-Saharan Africa economic and political alienation in the society, not as in general and Nigeria in particular, where agriculture a means of insubordination to their lords (the is the most important sector for women accounting for men).Women empowerment programme enables about 75%, such empowerment programmes are women have autonomy and control over their lives. inevitably needed (Okeke, 2017). Evidently, women For instance, as observed by Thakur and Naikoo, have indeed contributed greatly to the overall (2016, p. 2), “women when empowered become development of the most nations of the world with agents of their own development, able to exercise their inexhaustible partnership with men in such socio- choices to set their own agenda and be strong enough economic development in the society (Thakur & to challenge their subordinate position in the society”. Naikoo, 2016; and Okeke, 2017). Women The empowerment of women cannot be empowerment programmes guarantee increase in overemphasized especially in this contemporary productivity at all levels. Women participation in society, as it is the process of uplifting the economic, every aspect of social, economic, political, and overall social and political status of women as traditionally national development are positive tools for poverty underprivileged individuals; and aid in the overall reduction in the society. societal development. Parts of women empowerment strategies or programmes according to Thakur and Policies on Women’s empowerment exist at the Naikoo (2016, p. 2) include; various levels such as global, national, state and local Creating awareness and levels in many countries of the world, and in many consciousness about situations of sectors of human endeavours, including education, women, discrimination of women, economic, political, social, amongst others lying low rights of women, opportunities to and unharnessed. It is against this background that this the women and importance of gender equality , organizing a group study sought to achieve the following objectives, to collectively, group identity and determine: group pressure; capacity building  The available women empowerment and skill development, ability to programmes aimed at poverty reduction in plan, to decide, to organize, ability Isoko South L.G.A., Delta State to manage, ability to carry out  The effectiveness of women empowerment activities, ability to deal with people and institutions in the world around programmes towards poverty reduction in them; participation in decision Isoko South L.G.A,. Delta State making at home, in the community  The obstacles militating against effective and in the society, and access and women empowerment programmes in Isoko control over resources, means of South L.G.A., Delta State productivity and distribution.  Strategies for overcoming the obstacles.

These programmes and strategies are eyes opener to observe how greatly women have been subjected to

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CUJPIA (2021) 9(1) 3572-3586 Thus, the study also provided valid answers Declaration Organisation Agency to the following research questions, such as: 1. UN Declaration on the Rights of United Nations Independent  What are the available women empowerment Persons Belonging to National or Expert on programmes aimed at poverty reductions in Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic minority issues Minorities (moment) Isoko South L.G.A., Delta State? 2. UN Declaration on the Rights of United Nations Expert  What is the extent of effectiveness of women Indigenous Peoples Mechanism on empowerment programmes towards poverty the Rights of reduction in Isoko South L.G.A,. Delta State? Indigenous  What are the obstacles militating against Peoples effective women empowerment programmes Source: UNDP (2010) in Isoko South L.G.A., Delta State?  What are the strategies for overcoming the The above are the universal efforts towards restoring obstacles? the rights and dignity of every human, especially the

women who are socially regarded as the minority

group. Thus, the above laws or declaration emphasised Women empowerment Strategies that the following rights and privileges shall be Women empowerment strategies is no doubt maintained and accorded to everybody, especially the synonymous to women empowerment programmes, women as these are pathway of leveraging the women which according to Thakur & Naikoo (2016) is the from the enclave of domination in the society. process of changing power relations in favour of those

at the lower levels of social, economic and political Article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and hierarchy (women folk). Furthermore, it is an ideology Political Rights (ICCPR) emphasises on person’s civil of self-reliance out of the relationship of subordination and political right in the political society irrespective in terms of gender, social, economic status and the role of ethnic, religious, linguistic or cultural dichotomy; in the family and society; and ensures their (women) and that no man of woman inclusive shall be denied full participation in every aspect of social and national such right in community. development, especially in the area of poverty

reduction in the society. These programmes include According to UNDP (2010), education is a key health, education, economic opportunities, gender component of the protection of minority (women) as based violence and political participation. In achieving emancipator or antidotes to women subjugation in an the aforementioned empowerment programmes which imbalanced society. The overall imperativeness of is intimately linked to addressing the root causes of education cannot be overemphasised as it is the life- disempowerment and tackling disadvantages against wire through which every nation grooms her future the women in the society. All hands must be on deck leaders bearing in mind the uncertainty of tomorrow from the international organisations, NGOs, countries, (Udeh, Udebu & Uchealor, 2011). In consonance with states, policy-makers, communities and individuals the aforementioned meanings and importance of since it is a universally acknowledged phenomenon. education regarding women emancipation, one may The following are the international laws guiding extrapolate that education is the superstructure in against domination, subjugation, marginalisation, which other structures—politics, economics, amongst others against women in the society technology, amongst others are built upon. This could Table 1. International Laws against be true because when man is mentally emancipated, Marginalisation he/she becomes self-reliant and a functional member of the society. To this effect, the UN in her 37th S/N Treaty Organisation Agency State international conference on educationRatifications in Geneva, 1979 1. International Covenant on Civil and United Nationslamented Humanthat women Rights and the less165 privileged often lack Political Rights (Article 27) equal accessCommittee to education, thus, advocated for access 2. Convention on the Rights of the United Nationsand availableCommittee qualitative on the education 193 for all, especially Child (Article 30) the less privilegedRight of the and Child women as this is the only

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CUJPIA (2021) 9(1) 3572-3586 pathway to curtail the unpredictable hostility of the rural development through various means of women future. and rural empowerment programmes. In achieving this, the country went into partnership with the global Furthermore, bearing in mind the high need to develop development and empowerment agencies such as the society through women capacity building, UN World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), came up with the following women empowerment Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), principles and objectives as the positive pathway International Fund for Agricultural Development towards poverty reduction in the society. Such (IFAD), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), NGOs, principles are as follow: Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) amongst Table 2. United Nations Women Empowerment others for the needed assistance enabling her to Principles executive such development programmes. To get to the required persons and areas, the country also Principles Title Objectives partnered with the states of the federation and local 1. Leadership Promotes Affirm high-level supportgovernments, and direct intop which-level policies Isoko South for gender L.G.A equality of Delta Gender Equality and human rights. State is part of and beneficial. Farming of all kinds is Ensure that all policies are gender-sensitive--identifying factors that impact women and men differentlthe majory--and engagementthat corporate and culture lively advances-hood of equality the area, and inclusion especially aquaculture (Fishery), with women as the 2. Equal Opportunity, Pay equal remuneration,major including partakers benefits, of thisfor work occupation. of equal However,value and the Inclusion and Non- strive to pay a living wagemajor to farmingall women and and fishing men. method in the area is discrimination Ensure that workplacepredominantly policies and practices traditional are free method, from gender this - thereforebased discrimination. undermined the expected level of productivity. In Support access to child and dependent care by providing services, resources order to enhance productivity and ameliorate such and information to both women and men 3 Education and Training Invest in workplace policiesprevailing and programmespredicament thatof the open people, avenues and for contribute advancement of womensignificantly at all levels to and the across food security,all business income areas, generation, and encourage women to entertrades, non poverty-traditional reduction, job fields improve standard of living Offer opportunities to ofpromote the people; the business and the overallcase for development women’s empowerment in the area, and the positive impactDelta of inclusion State andfor men the as country well as atwomen. large, the State Government introduced her four years long-term 4. Enterprise Expand business relationships with women-owned enterprises, including economic agenda as ‘Delta State Medium-Term Development, Supply small businesses, and women entrepreneurs Chain and Marketing Respect the dignity of Developmentwomen in all Plan’(DSMTDP)marketing and other 2016 company-2019 as materials. possible Practices pathway of transforming and alleviating poverty in the 5. Transparency, Make public the companystate. policies Furthermore, and implementation DSMTDP has plan its policyfor promoting thrust on Measuring and gender equality. five pillars of development as: Reporting Establish benchmarks that quantify Strategic inclusion Wealth of Creationwomen at Projects all levels. and Source: United Nations Global Compact (n.d) Provision of Jobs for all Deltans,  Meaningful Peace Building Platforms aimed The above UN’s principles and objectives try to assure at Political and Social Harmony, reliable and motivating sense of hope and belonging to  Agricultural Reforms and Accelerated women folk against unwarranted subjugation and Industrialization, marginalisation, thus leading to poverty reduction in  Relevant Health and Education Policies; and the civil society globally. Pillar,

 Transformed Environment through Urban

Renewal. (S.M.A.R.T) Women empowerment programmes and poverty

reduction in Isoko South L.G.A of Delta State. The policy thrust or emphasis is to develop the macro-

economic engagement in the area through the Nigeria as a developing nation has not relented in the introduction of various empowerment programmes areas of developing the society via women capacity capable of empowering the youths and the women in building. Based on this, Nigeria remains an agent of

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CUJPIA (2021) 9(1) 3572-3586 particular. Achieving this, Delta State Government in 2. 2018 Medical F MHealth C, Asaba partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria zip mission in introduced the following empowerment programmes 378 Isoko South in Isoko South L.G.A. such as: L.G.A 3. 2018 Capacity N P C Labour Niger Delta Women’s Movement for Peace and zip building in Development (NDWPD): The programme which was 681 Delta South set out for Capacity building and skills development in Senatorial Catering, Soap making and Coconut oil production in District, Delta the area, about 30 women in and South, State and Local Government 2018 zip4. 682 Empowerment N P C Labour Areas of Delta State were beneficiaries in 2015-2016 for youths in Delta South Isoko Environment Watch Group: The programme Senatorial which was established to empower women in Isoko District, Delta North and South L. G. As, the programme aimed at State engaging women in various programmes suchStart as-up capital for5. trained2018 youths in Delta N P C Labour tailoring, bead-making, bread-making amongst others, zip South so as to make them self-reliant and independent in the 683 Senatorial society. District, Delta State Delta State Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship 6. 2018 Mapping of Surveyo Power, Programme (YAEP): This programme was set out zip Isoko r works for the empowerment of youths and women in Isoko 724 North/South General & South Senatorial District, Delta State. Thereby Fed. Const, housin engaging the youths, particularly the young girls in Delta State g different areas of agricultural production such as garri 7. 2018 HIV/AIDS N A C S. G. F processing, oil palm processing, and cassava chips zip awareness A 1523 campaign to amongst others. Isoko South Skill Training Entrepreneurship Programmes L.G.A, Delta (STEP): Through this strategy, the youth especially State women are engaged in various skill acquisition centres 8. 2018 Purchase of Refugee S. G. F to acquire technical/occupational and zip lady s entrepreneurship skills. This also will enable them 1576 motorcycles in become self employed. Isoko North/South

Fed. Const, Furthermore, the table below is the list of other Delta State empowerment programmes specifically for women 9. 2018 Supply of fish Refugee S. G. F development in Isoko South L.G.A. in 2018 by the zip feeds to s state government. 1577 selected ponds Table 3. Delta State empowerment programmes in Isoko Isoko South L.G.A North/South Fed. Const, Delta State S/N Cod Project Title Agency M . D. . e A 10. 2018 Provision of Refugee S. G. F 1. 2018 Purchase/suppl F M C, Health zip instructional s zip y of hospital Asaba 1619 materials to 376 equipment to schools in health centres Isoko in Isoko North/South North/South Fed. Const, L.G.A Delta State

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CUJPIA (2021) 9(1) 3572-3586 11. 2018 Supply of Refugee S. G. F through Mr. Alex Ukubenyinje, the Permanent zip customized s Secretary, Agency for Adult and Non-formal 1620 school bags to education in the state, disclosed in an intensive schools in interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Isoko Asaba, ‘that the figure which was recorded as at North/South Fed. Const, February this year, 2019, increased by about 35 Delta State percent as against the 13,198 students recorded as at Source: www.tracka.ng February, 2010’ (P.M. News, December 12, 2019).

The above are the various women empowerment According to him (Mr. Ukubenyinje), the state programmes/strategies in Isoko South L.G.A. of Delta currently has about 518 centres across the state where State for the overall development and poverty adult literacy programme are been conducted with reduction in the study area. Tremendously, the positive Council Area having about seven centres being response of the women towards embracing such the least in the state, while Isoko South has about 29, development is on the increase as many of the women the highest. Tremendously, the state currently has came out enmass for the programme. Successfully, the basic literacy unit for adult education with about 9, 843 economic activities in the area are flourishing unlike students in which the women appeared greater in before, as the women are engaged in one skill or the participation and 1,468 instructors teaching on various other. Accordingly, the self-reliance of the women in subjects in conformity with Nigerian education Isoko South L.G.A. is on the increase as they currently standard. With such standard and structure, Mr. hire young men and youths with incentives who spend Ukubenyinje maintained that the state has about 1,515 days and nights working for them either in the pond or students for Junior Secondary School (JSS), NECO on the deep sea fishing to be sold to the contracted and WAEC examinations in the post basic literacy women at cheap cost, (Nkamigbo, Ovuomarie, programme with Isoko South L. G. A. having greater Maduka, & Isibor, 2014). Similarly, those who learnt participants in overall. one trade or the other such as soap making, cream, milk and yoghurt, hair plating, cake and fashion designing are also employing others; especially the Factors militating against empowerment younger ones with little or no payment programmes in Delta State (apprenticeship), but to teach them such trades. The success and contributions of the women empowerment Developmental challenges are universal to both programmes to poverty reduction in Isoko South developed or first class world and developing or L.G.A, Delta State is a positive reflection to the second-class states of the globe. Different countries of postulation of Thakur & Naikoo (2016); and Okeke the world are constrained with myriad developmental (2017), who are of the opinion that women should be challenges, in the same vein, Delta State of Nigeria as partnered with in the overall economic development of a developing region is not exception to such social the society. phenomena ranging from social, economic, cultural and political developmental challenges, (Akanni,, Education programme is yet another pivotal Oke, & Akpomiemie, 2014). programme undertaken by Delta State Government to positively influence the lives of its citizenry in general. Political environment is concerned with government It is cardinal because of the overwhelming policy and the effect of political decisions upon any imperativeness of education as one of the sustainable economic development programme, strategy and pathways for human development and self-reliance in policy. The frequent transition in government resulting every society on one end; and the future assurance of to political instability present great negative organic and developing nations like Nigeria. implication in the overall achievement of economic Furthermore, in recognition of education as the life- development programmes of any political society. For wire according to Udeh, Udebu & Uchealor (2011) instance, over the years the Government (i.e. Delta vis-à-vis other programmes. The state government State) has had series of economic policies from the

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CUJPIA (2021) 9(1) 3572-3586 previous governments capable of sustaining the Conventions existing economic programmes (Delta State Rights of declarations Government, n.d). However, its continuity for Legal assistance sustainability by the incoming government has often Exemption of women from tax payment posed a great challenge as every new government will 2. Political Encouragement of women’s like to have its own economic programme and policy participation in politics at the detriment of the already existing ones. Creation of women political parties The economic and financial factor is one of the major Allocation of certain challenges militating against economic development percentage of in Delta State and other states of the federation, which seats/positions to women in politics has to do with the financial strength and the revenue 3. Education Regular schooling allocation of the state. According to Akanni, Oke and programmes Akpomiemie (2014), the level of general economic Adult education/literacy development of the state is often determined by the Sandwich programmes resources available to carry out such developmental Distance learning programmes. The idea of developing the state through Skill acquisition centres multiple economic programmes is often wonderful, Scholarship programmes 4. Health Medical assistance against but greatly challenged by the availability of resources infant/maternal mortality in government coffer. Vaccination e.g. ante/post natal care Socio-cultural factor is another dimension of Establishment of health economic problems that poses a challenge to economic centres/posts development. Culture according to William (2002) Dispensaries consists of the whole body of customs, lifestyles, Outlawing female genital mutilation values, likes and dislikes of the people that Free medical services for characterize the society. In the same vein Engobo peculiar illness e.g. vaginal (2009) enlarged his view of culture by considering it fistula, breast cancer, as the rising educational levels, norms, values, blocked uterus/fallopian language and attitudes toward social responsibilities. tube, ectopic pregnancy etc. Furthermore, the study of Engobo (2009) revealed that 5. Economic Family empowerment and adjustment programme Delta State is a conglomeration of many communities (FEAP) such as the Igbo (i.e. the Aniocha), Urohobo, Isoko, Poverty alleviation Itsekiri, Ijaw, which have varied cultural beliefs and programmes (PAP) values. This cultural variation directly or indirectly Small scale business loan affects government policy implementations as their schemes various differences must be considered in all Farm subsidies etc. government’s programmes and policies. Source: Egwurube (2016); and Wong (2019).

However, the following are the programmes/strategies that can possibly ameliorate the identified obstacles Theoretical framework militating against women empowerment in general and Isoko South L.G.A., Delta State in particular For the purpose of understanding the need for women Table 4. Strategies for overcoming the obstacles empowerment programmes in Isoko South L.G.A., S/N Sectors Strategies/programmes Delta State, Nigeria as the partway for poverty 1. Legal-- Rights of inheritance reduction and the overall development in the area and enactment Laws against violence Nigeria at large. Therefore, the study adopted Feminist of laws against women theory as its analytical framework of explanation Covenants propounded by Mary Wollstonecraft in a book titled:

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CUJPIA (2021) 9(1) 3572-3586 A Vindication of the rights of women (1792) (Duman, sampling error with statistical specification to derive a 2012). It is advocacy theory for the rights of women, sample size of 400. The formula is stated as follow: particularly in the area of political, cultural, and n = N/1+ N (e)2 economic amongst others. The following are the basic assumptions of the theory: The study adopted simple mean, standard deviation  Establishing equal rights and legal and simple percentage to analyse the primary data protection for women. generated through the use of structured questionnaire  Involvement of women in political and to determine the responses of the respondents. Thus, a sociological theories. mean of 1.0 - 1.49 adjudged as very low, a mean of  Philosophies concerned with issues of 1.50 -2.49 was regarded as low, a mean of 2.50 – 3.49 gender difference, as well as a movement is regarded as high, and 3.5 – 4.0 is regarded as very that advocates gender equality for women high. Consequently, a mean benchmark of 2.50 is and campaigns for women's rights and used. interests.

The theory was further developed by scholars likes Discussion of the results according to research Katherine Hepburn in 1942, Maggie Humm and questions Rebecca Walker in the mid 1970s. The theory held that Research question 1: What are the available “woman’s experiences of gender subordination are the women empowerment programmes aimed at poverty roots of women's oppression, how gender inequality is reduction in Isoko South L.G.A., Delta State? perpetuated, and offer differing remedies for gender Table 5 Responses of the Respondents on inequality” (Jones & Budig, 2008, p. 1). Thus, their Awareness of advocate for women’s rights of all kinds through Empowerment Strategies various women empowerment programmes as it Available in Isoko South L.G.A. thrives developments and poverty reductions in the Delta State contemporary society. S/ Items Aware Not Decis N (Empowerment/ (%) awar ion poverty e (%)

reduction Methodology strategy A Legal strategies Given the complex nature of this study, the researchers adopted mixed methods of data collection to generate 1 Are you aware of 124 276 NA detailed information required for the study. While women’s rights (31) (69) of inheritance survey method generates primary data and provides

the platform to adequately study the target population 2 Are you aware of 284 116 A (i.e. Isoko South community dwellers) with the use of the existence of (71) (29) survey instruments (i.e. structured questionnaire and the laws against interview schedule), while documentary method violence against provides secondary data from documented materials to women complement the primary data. The researchers used a 3 Are you aware of 146 254 AN combination of four Likert scale of measurement with the laws that (36.5) (63.5 “Yes and No” options. The Likert scale comprises exempt women ) strongly disagree (or very low) = 1, disagree (or low) from tax payment = 2, agree (or high) = 3, and strongly agree (or very 4 Are you aware of 209 191( A high) = 4, while No = 1 and Yes = 2 for “Yes and No” legal assistance (52) 48) options. Thus, the researchers used Yamane’s (1967) for women statistical formula due to its importance to control 5 Are you aware 307 93 A that it is your (76.75) (23.2 legal right to live 5)

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CUJPIA (2021) 9(1) 3572-3586 freely without 15 Are you aware 266 134 A intimidation there exist (66.5) (33.5 scholarship ) B Political programmes strategies D Health 6 Are you aware 217 183 A strategies that women are (54.25) (45.7 16 Are you aware of 303 97 A encouraged to 5) free medical (75.75) (24.2 participate assistance against 5) actively in infant/maternal politics mortality ectopic 7 Are you aware of 104 296 AN pregnancy etc the certain (26) (74) 17 Are you aware of 216 184 A percentage of that there is free (54) (46) seats/positions vaccination e.g. allocated to ante/post natal women in politics vaccination 8 Are you aware of 18 382 AN the created (4.5) (95.5 18 Are you aware of 297 103 A women political ) the establishment (74.25) (25.7 parties of free health 5) centres/posts in 9 Are you aware 301 99 AN your area that voting is (75.25) (24.7 your civic 5) 19 Are you aware 207 193 A responsibility that there free (51.75) (48.2 10 Are you aware 273 127 A medical services 5) that women can (68.25) (3.75 for peculiar occupy political ) illness e.g. positions like the vaginal fistula, governor, breast cancer, president etc. blocked C Education uterus/fallopian strategies tube, ectopic 11 Are you aware of 293 107 A pregnancy etc the regular (73.25) (26.7 20 Are you aware 201(50. 199 A schooling 5) there is free 25) (49.7 programmes in female genital 5) Isoko South mutilation 12 Are you aware 209 191 A Economic that there is adult (52.25) (47.7 strategies education/literacy 5) 21 Are you aware 115 285 N A in your area that there is (28.25) (71.7 family 5) 13 Are you aware of 264 136 A empowerment sandwich (66) (34) and adjustment education programme programmes (FEAP) 14 Are you aware 286 114 A that there is (71.5) (28.5 22 Are you aware of 241 159 A distance learning ) any farm (60.25) (39.7 programme subsidies 5) programme in your state

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CUJPIA (2021) 9(1) 3572-3586 23 Are you aware of 291(72. 109 A Poverty Reduction in Isoko South that there is small 75) (27.2 LGA of Delta State scale business 5) S/ Items Mea SD Decisio loan schemes in N n n the state 26. I am involved in 2.55 .53 High women 9 extent 24 Are you aware of 262 138 A empowerment Poverty (65.5) (34.5 programmes in alleviation ) Isoko South programmes L.G.A., Delta (PAP) in your State area 27. I participated in 2.21 .66 Low the women skill 8 extent 25 Are you aware of 311 89 A acquisition the various skill (77.75) (22.2 seminar/worksho acquisitions in 5) p in Isoko South your area L.G.A., Delta Grand Mean 229.8 170. A State and Percentage (57.42) 2 28. I received start- 2.53 .59 High (42.5 up capital for 2 extent 8) trained Source: Research Data (2019) youths/women in Delta South The result on table 5 which seeks to address research Senatorial question one on people’s awareness of empowerment District. strategies available in Isoko South L.G.A. Delta State. 29. I participated in 2.01 .60 Low women education 0 extent Based on the responses of the respondents with a grand sensitization mean of 229.8 (aware); and grand mean of 170.2 (not raining aware). Therefore, implies that there were actually programme in available women empowerment programmes which Isoko South they were aware of. Similarly, the grand percentage of L.G.A., Delta 57.42 (aware) and grand percentage of 42.58 (not State aware) validated the simple fact that there were 30. I benefited from 2.23 .71 Low the 6 extent actually available women empowerment programmes provision/supply which they were aware of in Isoko South L.G.A., Delta of instructional State. However, the women were actually aware of the materials, various empowerment programmes but never customized note- participated actively in the programmes due to lack of books, text-books proper sensitization on the part of the Government and and school bags its agencies as observed by Eryilmaz (2015); and Ubi in Delta North/South (2017), which thus hampered on the women active Federal participation in the programmes. Constituency Research question 2: What is the extent of 31. Improved access 1.95 .56 Low effectiveness of women empowerment programmes to quality of 7 extent towards poverty reduction in Isoko South L.G.A., education of Delta State? women/girls in Table 5 Mean Ratings of the Isoko South L.G.A., Delta Respondents’ on the Extent of State involvement of Women in 32. improved 2.46 .67 Low Empowerment standard of living 3 extent Programmes/Strategies towards of people in

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CUJPIA (2021) 9(1) 3572-3586 Isoko South by some government functionaries over the rights of L.G.A., Delta women in the area. Similarly, the government in State power often through their party stalwart give prior 33. Women 2.56 .92 High information about any government programmes to becoming more 4 extent their party and family members as against the general entrepreneurial in Isoko South public, (Ubi, 2017). This situation actually impeded L.G.A., Delta the level of participation of women in the women State empowerment programmes as shown by the cluster 34. Increased family 2.81 .68 High mean in the table above. Therefore, this not only income rate 7 extent making life difficult and unbearable for the women in 35. Improved access 2.53 .94 High the area, but also increasing the poverty rate in the to health care in 5 extent country in general. Isoko South L.G.A., Delta Research question 3: What are the obstacles towards State women empowerment programmes in Isoko South 36. Reduction of 2.53 .94 High L.G.A., Delta State? infant mortality 5 extent rate in Isoko Table 6 Mean ratings of the respondents on South L.G.A., theobstacles militating against Delta State effective women empowerment 37.. Women become 2.25 .61 Low employer of 1 extent programmes in Isoko South labour in Isoko L.G.A., Delta State South L.G.A., S/N Items Means SD Decision Delta State 39 Poor funding 2.59 .532 High extent 38. Formation of 2.58 .78 High 40. Political 2.58 .958 High extent cooperative 4 extent instability societies in Isoko 41. Unstable of 3.10 .746 High extent South L.G.A., power supply Delta State 42. Use of 2.55 .537 High extent Cluster mean 2.33 .71 Low obsolete 1 extent equipments Source: Research Data (2019) for training 43. Socio- 3.15 .687 High extent The result on table 5 shows the responses of the cultural factor respondents on attempt to address our research 44. Inadequate 3.08 .768 High extent question 2. Therefore, the overall result of the training respondents on the table which has the cluster mean of materials 2.33 is adjudged low extent based on our analytical 45. Inadequate/in 3.29 .646 High extent standard. This implies that there is lack of active constancy of participation of the women in the empowerment training programmes in Isoko South L.G.A., Delta State, which personnel similarly has pose serious threat to poverty reduction 46. Lack of 2.20 .936 Low extent motivation in the area. However, the lack of active participation on women of the women in the women empowerment participants programmes in Isoko South L.G.A., Delta State 47. Ineffective 3.08 .721 High extent according to Eryilmaz (2015), lies on improper programme sensitization and commitment on the part of the policies government who will not properly and publicly 48. Unconducive 3.41 .504 High extent educate the general public about its proposed training centres programmes in the area. He further observed that the women groaned with pain on the level politics played

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CUJPIA (2021) 9(1) 3572-3586 49. Lack of 3.09 .771 High extent making the women self-reliance, independent, more transparency educated, self-employed, employers of labour in amongst other things through various women determining empowerment programmes became defeated in this the regard. This not only contributed to the increase rate beneficiaries 50 Diversion of 3.15 .714 High extent of poverty in Isoko South L.G.A., Delta State, but also fund meant in the country at large. for the programme 51. Inadequate 3.20 .715 High extent Conclusion access roads to the Women empowerment programmes is an ideology of training centres self-reliance out of the relationship of subordination in 52. Diversion of 3.12 .691 High extent terms of gender, social, economic, political, amongst training others to ensure full and equal participation of all in equipments every sphere of life. These programmes including 53. Inadequate 3.25 .607 High extent health, education, economic opportunities, gender health based violence and political participation of women in facilities the society to enhance increase in productivity at all 54. Family ties 3.24 .668 High extent responsible levels, aid in poverty reduction in the society and the for overall national development of the country. inadequate Accordingly, the findings revealed that there existed women women empowerment programmes in Isoko South participation L.G.A. Delta State, which the women were actually 55. Inadequate 3.12 .792 High extent aware of, but never participated actively due to lack of donor proper sensitization and commitment on the part of the agencies government and its agencies. The findings also 56. Long 3.17 .702 High extent distance to revealed that such programmes--skill acquisition, the training workshops, seminars, education trainings amongst centres others which were meant to reducing poverty rate 57. Lack of 3.18 .700 High extent particularly amongst the women in the area were incentives politicised by some government functionaries of the during state. Furthermore, it revealed the various obstacles training such as political factors, inconsistency of the Cluster mean 3.03 .194 High extent Source: Research Data (2019). personnel, lack of transparency amongst the trainers, . poor funding, amongst other things, militated against the effectiveness of women empowerment programmes and the active participation of the women in such programmes in the area. The study The result on the table 6 above the shows the responses recommended amongst other things, commitment, of the respondents on the various obstacles fairness and transparency in discharging of duties on militating against effective women empowerment the part of the government; policy sustainability of programmes in Isoko South L.G.A., Delta State. Thus, women empowerment programmes; creation of a with a result cluster mean of 3.03 (high extent); and more conducive and enabling atmosphere for more with standard deviation of .194, which implies that the effectiveness of such programmes; and checks listed obstacles had negative influence on the apparatus to ameliorate the various obstacles effectiveness of women empowerment programmes in identified. the area, thus hampered on their active participation in 1. . the programmes. Therefore, the expected objective of

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