Influence of Literacy Education Programmes on Socio-economic Empowerment of Women in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the influence of literacy education programmes on the socio-economic empowerment of women in Edo and Delta states, in the South South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. A sample of 1,022 women was randomly drawn from basic intermediate and post literacy classes organised by the Agency of Adult and Non-formal Education, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and private institutions in the area under investigation. The outcome of the study showed a strong correlation between literacy education programmes and socio-economic empowerment of women. Women had more access to loan and credit facilities for their economic activities thereby leading to higher income. They were able to use family planning methods and witnessed tremendous improvement in their families' nutritional status. It was recommended that literacy promoters and policymakers should intensify public enlightenment programmes for more women to participate; post literacy programmes should be encouraged to prevent relapse into illiteracy; and above all, literacy programmes should be designed to meet the needs and aspirations of women to ensure sustainability of literacy programmes.