ROLE OF WOMEN ASSOCIATION IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT ( A STUDY OF WOMEN FOR PEACE PLATFORM, MAIDUGURI METROPOLIS)

This study examined the Role of Women Associations in Rural Development, with specific focus on the Women for Peace Platform (WPP) in Maiduguri Metropolis. The main objective was to assess how women’s collective efforts contribute to community development, peacebuilding, economic empowerment, and social wellbeing in rural and peri-urban communities affected by conflict. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, using a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 200 respondents, including members of the Women for Peace Platform and community beneficiaries. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square to test the relationship between women association activities and rural development outcomes. The findings revealed that women associations significantly contribute to rural development through skills acquisition programmes, economic empowerment, conflict resolution initiatives, and community sensitization. The results further showed that WPP provides support in livelihoods, education, health awareness, and community peace initiatives, which collectively enhance social stability and development within Maiduguri Metropolis. The study concludes that women associations play a crucial role in driving rural development despite social, cultural, and economic challenges. It recommends increased government support, NGO collaboration, provision of training resources, and policies that strengthen women’s participation in community leadership and development initiatives.