Women empowerment strategies, poverty alleviation and economic independence of women in Nigeria, 1989-1999, the case study of the Better Life Programme of Mrs. Maryam Babangida (WITHDRAWN)

Darlington O. Opara, Imo State University

This study explores the nexus between women empowerment strategies in sub-Saharan Africa and poverty alleviation, using the case study of the Better Life Programme of the former First lady of Nigeria, Mrs Maryam Babangida, It presents one of the first conscious efforts at understanding the principles and dynamics of women empowerment strategies in the fight against poverty, gender inequality and economic independence of women in Nigeria, using the example of the establishment of Skill Acquisition Centers and the Cooperative and Thrift Societies in Lagos by the programme. The study evaluates the impact of this programme, its effectiveness as well as its intractable and recurrent challenges in the attempt to co-opt women in the development process especially in a developing country.