Women and Local Government Development: A Case Study of Epe Local Government of Lagos State

ABSTRACT This research work examines the contributions of women in the development of local government areas using Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State as a case study. The study critically reviewed the dominant issues on the role and contributions of women in the development of local government areas, gender equality and women empowerment in Epe Local Government and generally in Nigeria. This study maintains that women are the most vulnerable group in Nigeria, thus, their social, political and economic lives have been seriously affected and neglected in the society dominated by men. This is because of the socio-cultural beliefs which impinge on their rights and insupportable attitudes of men as well as the general un-civilization of the Nigerian society towards gender equality and women empowerment. The data used in this study was collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary method/sources were research instrument (questionnaire) and oral interview. Some research questions were asked as a guide to the respondents. The questionnaire contained (twenty six) structured questions designed in both open and close ended style. In addition, the questionnaire was validated and administered accordingly. Secondary sources of data collection on the other hand, included textbooks, journal, government documents and internet materials. Three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study in data analysis. The study adopted simple percentage, tables, chi-square statistical analysis and descriptive method for data analysis. The data analysis revealed that: that the women in Epe Local Government Area have made an appreciable contribution in the development of the area especially in agriculture, education, healthcare services, vocational/entrepreneurship skills and micro-credits assistants to the needy; poor economic capacity and inadequate access to resources affect women’s contribution and participation in socio-economic development in Epe Local Government; the socio-cultural practices of Epe Local Government affect the contributions and participations of the women in socio-economic development of the area; poor educational background of women in Epe and in Nigeria generally also limit their role and participation in socioeconomic development; there is a general masculine bias against women. Hence, government policies in promoting gender equality and women empowerment in Nigeria are still not enough to promote massive and active women participation in socio-economic development; there is a significant relationship between economic capacity of women and their contributions in grassroots development in Epe Local Government. Based on these findings, the study recommended that women should be given equal opportunity to participate in socio-economic development in Epe Local Government and generally in Nigeria like the men. Also there is need to ensure that socio-cultural factors that constrain gender quality and women empowerment in Nigeria are eliminated in order to effectively integrate them in the socio-economic development of their local communities.