Factors affecting Women’s Participation in Community Development in Kakwagom-Boki Local Government Area - Cross River State

Abstract

Community development is a vital aspect of sustainable growth and social progress, requiring the active involvement of all members, regardless of gender. In many regions of the world, including Kakwagom in Boki Local Government of Cross River State of Nigeria, women's participation in community development remains an issue of significant concern. This is even as women over the years, contribute to the growth of their society in spite of the many limitations standing in their way. This study explored the complex web of factors influencing women's participation in community development initiatives and specifically investigated the extent of women’s representation in decision-making bodies and their participation in community development. To appropriately tackle and capture the variables involved in the study, the qualitative research method was adopted. Two focus group discussions FGDs) and four in-depth interviews (IDIs) were carried out. Findings revealed a wealth of knowledge on factors affecting women's participation in community development in Kakwagom Boki Local Government of Cross River State, ranging from inability to access financial and property ownership to prevention of women from taking decisions in the community. The study recommends among others, improvement in women’s access to resources such as land, credit and healthcare facilities and appointment into positions of leadership and decision-making bodies in the community. Mentorship programmes, collaboration and networking should be encouraged among women's groups and other stakeholders to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources.