ABSTRACT
This study examined women groups and community development in Obazu Mbieri, Mbaitolu Local Government Area, Imo State. This study also examines women groups in Obazu Mbieri, their history and achievements. We also talked about the keys figures who created the first women groups, their pioneer members, sponsors, and challenges. The population of the study was 154,000 residences of Obazu Mbieri, Mbaitolu local government area, this was based on the 2006 national census. A sample size of 360 people was gotten using the Taro Yamani formula. The study adopted a simple random technique whereas the data collected was analyzed using the chi-square. Two hypothesis was tested here, the first is that there is a significant relationship between gender disparity and community development. To test this hypothesis, the responses from the respondents in item 1, 3 and 4 as represented in table 5 were used. The table value of X² at a significance level of 0.05 and degree of 3 = 7.815. The calculated value of X² is less than the table value of X², we therefore reject the alternate hypothesis, which states that there is a significant relationship between gender disparity and community development. The second hypothesis is that there is a significant relationship between women contribution and their involvement in community development. To test the hypothesis, the responses of the respondents in items 5, 6 and 8 as represented in table 6 were used. We found that the table value of X² at a significant level of 0.05 and degree of 3 = 7.815. The calculated value of X² is greater than the table value of X², we therefore reject the alternate hypothesis, which states that there is a significant relationship between women contribution and their involvement in community development. The result of the data analyzed show that gender disparity in Obazu Mbieri has not led to a decline in community development, women have been contributing greatly to the development of Obazu Mbieri, Mbaitolu L.G.A. We also found out that despite the fact that women are not allowed to actively participate in certain areas of community growth they still try their best to participate in certain roles like farm work to foster food production and availability and this has played a vital role in developing the society. This is in line with table 5 item 3 where majority of the respondents disagreed that women has not performed very well in developing the society. The researchers recommend that more women should be encouraged and empowered to participate in the development of their various communities. The government should also create awareness to the people on the importance of women contribution in the society.
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