Empowering Women Through Vocational Skills: A Key to Economic Growth in Southwest Nigeria

A recent article by Alabi et al., (2023) titled “Skill Development and Economic Empowerment among Women in Selected State in Southwest Nigeria, published in International Journal of Science and Academic Research, shows that skill development has significant effects on women’s economic empowerment in Southwest Nigeria.

This article explores how different types of vocational skills (such as hairdressing, fashion design, culinary arts, computer technician, and graphic design) affect the income and productivity of women in selected states in Southwest Nigeria, using survey data and multiple regression analysis. The authors explore previous studies on women’s empowerment, skill development, and economic development and adopt change theory as the main framework to explain how skill development can enhance women’s power and agency and contribute to sustainable development. The study also shed light on the barriers and challenges that women face in accessing and benefiting from skill development programs, such as cultural norms, household responsibilities, mobility restrictions, and a lack of financial support.

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Skill development significantly enhances women’s economic empowerment, improving income and productivity, contributing to sustainable development and poverty reduction in Southwest Nigeria– Alabi et al., 2023

The Barriers and Challenges that Women Face in Accessing and Benefiting from Skill Development Programs

Cultural norms and gender stereotypes

Women may face social and cultural barriers that limit their access to education and training opportunities, especially in male-dominated fields. For instance, some communities may view women’s participation in vocational training as inappropriate or unnecessary.

Mobility restrictions and safety concerns

Women may face mobility restrictions that prevent them from attending training sessions or workshops, especially in rural areas. They may also face safety concerns while traveling to and from training centers.

Lack of financial support

Women may lack the financial resources to pay for training fees, transportation, or other related expenses. They may also face discrimination when accessing credit or loans to start their own businesses.

Household responsibilities

Women may have to balance their training with household responsibilities, such as childcare, cooking, and cleaning. This can limit their time and energy to attend training sessions or practice their skills.

Limited access to technology and infrastructure

Women may face limited access to technology and infrastructure, such as computers, the internet, and electricity, which can hinder their ability to learn and practice new skills. These barriers and challenges can limit women’s access to skill development programs and hinder their economic empowerment.

How the Study was Conducted

The authors adopt a survey research design, administering questionnaires to 665 women across Oyo, Ogun, and Ekiti states who have participated in skill development programs. The sample size is determined using Cochran’s formula, and stratified random techniques are employed for respondent selection. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including kurtosis, skewness, mean, standard deviation, and simple percentage, are employed to analyze the data. The authors also employed correlation and regression analyses to gauge the relationship between women’s skill development and self-reliance.

What the Authors Found

The authors found that skill development has significant effects on women’s economic empowerment in Southwest Nigeria. The authors show that acquiring skills such as hairdressing, fashion design, culinary arts, computer technician, and graphic design can improve women’s income and productivity in the selected states of Oyo, Ogun and Ekiti. The authors also found that women’s empowerment is influenced by various contextual and structural factors. In addition, the study found that women’s empowerment contributes to sustainable development and poverty reduction. The study argues that empowering women economically can enhance their well-being, agency, and participation in decision-making, as well as improve the livelihoods of their families and communities.

Why is this Important

Skill development can help women improve their income, productivity, and living standards, which can contribute to poverty reduction and economic growth. Economic empowerment can enhance women’s agency, voice, and participation in decision-making, which can promote gender equality and social justice. Skill development and economic empowerment can also foster women’s creativity, innovation, and self-reliance, which can benefit their personal and professional aspirations.

What the Authors Recommend

• The authors recommend that governments in the three tiers of governance should focus more of their attention on empowering women through vocational training to improve their income and productivity.
• The authors argue that the government should allocate additional funds to vocational centers to enable more women to acquire the necessary skills that will make them more productive and self-reliant.
• The study argues that women should be encouraged to participate in skill development programs that match their interests, abilities, and market demands.
• In addition, the author recommends that the government should provide women with adequate support and mentoring to sustain and expand their businesses after acquiring skills.

In conclusion, the study underscores the pivotal role of vocational skills in enhancing women’s economic empowerment in Southwest Nigeria. The identified barriers and challenges, such as cultural norms and financial constraints, emphasize the urgency of targeted interventions. The findings affirm that skill development not only positively impacts women’s income and productivity but also contributes to broader societal benefits, including sustainable development and poverty reduction. As the authors recommend increased government attention, funding, and tailored support, it becomes evident that fostering women’s participation in skill development programs is a strategic pathway to fostering gender equality, economic growth, and lasting societal progress in the region.