ACCESSING THE ROLE OF WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN REDUCING POVERTY IN KATSINA STATE: A CASE STUDY OF SAFANA LOCAL GOVERNMENT

ABSTRACT The empowerment of women is increasingly recognized as a key driver for achieving sustainable development and poverty reduction. Women’s empowerment refers to the process by which women gain greater control over their lives, resources, and decision-making capabilities. This multidimensional concept encompasses economic, social, cultural, and political aspects, aiming to eliminate barriers that prevent women from realizing their full potential. This study examines the role of women’s empowerment in reducing poverty in Safana Local Government, Katsina State, Nigeria. The research investigates how various aspects of empowerment, including education, economic independence, access to healthcare, and decision-making power, contribute to alleviating poverty among women and their households. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with women, community leaders, and policymakers to explore the relationship between gender inequality and poverty. Findings highlight the significance of women’s empowerment in fostering sustainable economic growth, improving household welfare, and achieving community development. The study also identifies cultural and structural barriers that hinder women’s full participation in economic and social activities, such as limited access to resources, discriminatory norms, and inadequate policy implementation. The research emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, including skills training, access to credit, and gender-sensitive policy frameworks, to address these challenges. By showcasing the transformative potential of empowering women, this study contributes to the broader discourse on gender equality and poverty alleviation in rural Nigeria, with implications for policy and program development.