Factors Affecting Women’s Participation in Community Development in Kakwagom-Boki Local Government Area of 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 the Boki Local Government of Cross River State, Nigeria, women's participation in community development remains an issue of significant concern; women over the years contribute in the growth of their society in spite of the many limitations that are standing in their way. This study explores the complex web of factors influencing women's participation in community development initiatives.In order to appropriately tackle and capture the variables involved in the study, the qualitative research method was adopted for the study four focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were carried out. Findings in this study reveals a wealth of knowledge on factors affecting women participation in community development in Kakwagom Boki Local Government of Cross River State; ranging from inability to access financial and property ownership, lack of awareness and training and prevention from taking decisions in the community. It was recommended among others that there should be an Improvement of  women's access to resources such as land, credit and healthcare facilities Mentorship programs, Collaboration and networking should be encouraged among women groups and other stakeholders so as to ease exchange of knowledge and resources.