WOMEN EMPOWERMENT: PANACAE FOR POVERTY REDUCTION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN IFEDORE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ONDO STATE

This study assessed women empowerment: Panacae for poverty reduction and economic development in ifedore Local Government are, Ondo State, focusing on women empowerment and economic development. The findings revealed that findings revealed that Persistent gender biases affect women's socio-economic status, particularly in healthcare access, education and economics opportunities, Education serves as power tool for women's empowerment, leading to better health outcomes, Women's find it difficult to participate in decision-making processes and representation in public life, Educated women make more informed decisions, invest in their children's education, and participate more in community development, usually face unique challenges in poverty alleviation programmes, working in informal sectors, earning less for similar work, Given opportunity for furthering education or training. The study further Women often have limited access to quality education and vocational training and this makes it difficult for them to acquire skills needed in a rapidly evolving job market, Women are underrepresented in decision-making roles, both in public and private sectors, which limits their ability to Women are underrepresented in decision-making roles, both in public and private sectors, which limits their ability to influence policy and decision-making processes, Women often faced gender-biased violence , harassment , and discrimination, which can limit their access to education, empowerment and other empowerment opportunities, Women entrepreneur face challenges in accessing affordable credit, business development support, and market linkages, Discrimination or biased in accessing empowerment, Tradition and culture believe that women are 67 meant to stay at home and take care the family, Women don't have the privilege to bring out their ideas in order to solve public or private issues, because the nature or traditional or cultural beliefs that if man is talking woman remain silent. Women contribute across various sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and technology, Empowering women economically reduces poverty at both household and community levels will tend them to spend heir earnings on family welfare, education and healthcare, Supporting for women-owned businesses through microfinancing and skill training enhances their economic impact, Women often lead social responsibilities in their communities, contributing to societal well-being and development. The study also revealed that Increasing women's employment rates boosts national GDP, Investing in skilled, decent job for women promotes gender equality and drives sustainable economic development, Tackling violence against women and girls is crucial for creating table societies where women can participate in the economy, Ensuring women's access to land rights and property Ownership, Enhancing women's ability to manage finance effectively. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that Persistent gender biases affect women's socio economic status, particularly in healthcare access, education and economics opportunities, Education serves as power tool for women's empowerment, leading to better health outcomes, Women's find it difficult to participate in decision-making processes and representation in public life.