Nigerian women, development and the millennium development goals (MDGS): the role of the library
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Date
2011
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Publisher
African Journal of Social Research andcDevelopment
Abstract
One of the most topical issues in the current debate on development worldwide has been that of the role of women in the development of their own society. Nigeria has not been left out of this discussion. Yet, the situation of women in Nigeria has not really improved, nor has their development as participants or beneficiaries of the process. The fall in the country's fortune has had a far reaching but negative effect on the situation of women in Nigeria. This study looks anew at the various sectors in which women play out their roles and the constraints to gender equity and the full participation of women in development as participants and beneficiaries. The study therefore highlights the role of literacy/information literacy education in the overall development and underdevelopment of Nigeria. It argues that information literacy is an active player in the development and underdevelopment of Nigerian economy. It helps the information society through the creation of awareness of available information and knowledge both published and unpublished documents emerging from millions of sources all over the world. The study uses as a case study women in a rural community of Ife North local government area of Osun State, Nigeria. Interviewer administered questionnaires which were applied to the women by trained assistants. The data collected were analyzed in terms of demographics, literacy levels, empowerment, and access to or hindrances to empowerment facilities. The findings of the study showed a positive relationship to the major variables in the study. Determinants of empowerment include educational levels and family support. The results indicate that educational levels, lack of family support, lack of adequate information and lack of adequate access to skills acquisition centers are some of the factors limiting the empowerment of women. The study showed that much work needs to be done in order to achieve gender equality in Nigeria. Recommendations were made which will foster improved access to information, education and skills acquisition which in turn empower women and make them contribute more meaningfully in the development of Nigerian society.
Description
8p
Keywords
women and development, literacy, women education, information literacy, empowerment, sustainable development
Citation
Nwezeh, C.M.T. and Adeagbo, O.O. (2011). Nigerian Women, Development and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): The Role of the Library. African Journal of Social Research and Development, 3 (1):151-158.