Abstract

This study is specifically concerned with the effects of women empowerment on poverty reduction in Kwara state with reference to the current administration of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq (2019 till date). In Nigeria, Kwara state is one of the oldest states and women are generally poorer than their counterpart men. Thus, it is necessary to empower women in order to enhance their living condition. This study uses mixed method that is, both quantitative and qualitative. Survey questionnaire, interview and relevant documents are the instruments employed for data collection. Two hundred and fifty (250) sample size was used through stratified and simple random sampling technique from beneficiaries from state government empowerment and poverty alleviation programmes. The primary data was collected and analyzed through regression to show the effects of empowering women on their living standard and poverty level. More so, correlation coefficient was used to know the correlation between the two variables (women empowerment and poverty reduction). The findings of the study show that women empowerment is crucial to reduce poverty and has significant impact on poverty reduction. The study deduces with a discussion on the policy implications the findings have on women empowerment and its benefits. In conclusion, women are to be empowered in kwara state and government can use this as part of instruments to address the poverty issue in the state. Finally, this study will contribute to the existing knowledge in areas of poverty and women empowerment both theoretically and methodologically.