WOMEN

This to examined the social economic factors that influence social mobility among women in University of Benin, Benin City with detailed objectives that identify the specific nature of social mobility, the social economic factors that influence social mobility, the role education play in influencing social mobility of women in University of Benin, Benin City and also, proffer the necessary recommendations that can be drawn from the experiences of socially mobile women at the University of Benin to enhance gender equality and social mobility for women. The research population of the study comprised all the junior and senior staff in University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. In University of Benin there are more than twelve thousand, five hundred (12,500) staff. The researcher used Faculty of Social Sciences Staff in University of Benin as targeted population to carry out research work. The sampling technique to be used for this study is the simple random sampling technique. This study was based on a sampling size of 100 staff to represent the entire population. The method to be employed for this research is the statistical method such as the percentage to deduce the effective and interpret the further necessary discussions. In conclusion, the findings suggest a range of perceptions, attitudes, and support for initiatives aimed at enhancing gender equality and social mobility. While there is notable support for certain measures, such as involving socially mobile women in decision-making and providing mentorship, there are also areas where respondents have diverse opinions or concerns, particularly regarding education and scholarships. These findings provide a foundation for further discussions and actions to enhance gender equality and social mobility at the University of Benin. In light of the findings, it is evident that there is a pressing need for comprehensive strategies and policies that address the challenges and opportunities associated with gender equality and social mobility at the University of Benin.

To be able to effectively discuss women and their form of nationalism in Southern Nigeria before independence, one may need to understand the role women played in precolonial Southern Nigerian societies, how women were viewed, their rights and privileges, the impacts colonial rule had on them, and how they responded to this rule. In precolonial Nigeria, the position of women was a reflection of their subordinate status. Men held the premiums in the society, and women had the sole purpose or responsibility to be mothers of the children of these men. The ability of a woman to give birth won her the closest attachment of her husband while barren women were always the object of scorn in the society. An instance is the Esan woman who is socially not recognized. She is always represented by her husband in any social affair even if the issue at stake directly concerns or affects her. Whatever contribution she has to make, she does so through her husband who is her voice and mouthpiece. This is only when she is respected, recognized and her contributions highly welcomed and valued. Also, as long as a woman is not married in sanland, no matter how successful she may be, her views and
contributions are not welcomed or accepted. She is considered to be an outcast and is treated as one without an owner. She is ot also recognized in and among the women community. Women are seen through the lens of marriage in a homestead.

This study was carried out to explore the perceived effects of breastfeeding on maternal weight management among women attending the postnatal clinic at Ekosodin Primary Health Centre (PHC), Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State. Three research questions were raised to guide the study, and relevant literature related to the topic was extensively reviewed. The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of 80 postnatal attendees at Ekosodin Primary Health Centre, Ovia North-East Local Government Area. A census sampling technique was used for the study. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire on the perceived effects of breastfeeding on maternal weight management among women attending the postnatal clinic in Ekosodin PHC. The questionnaire was validated by the project supervisor and two other lecturers from the Department of Health, Safety, and Environmental Education. The test-retest reliability method was adopted. Data obtained from the instrument were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and chi-square statistics. Findings from the study revealed that the majority of the respondents perceived breastfeeding as having an influence on maternal weight. Age and parity were found to significantly affect maternal weight management among women attending the postnatal clinic in Ekosodin PHC. Based on the findings, the researcher recommends that practical diet plans, culturally acceptable exercises, and weight-tracking activities should be included in routine postnatal visits for all mothers. Breastfeeding promotion should also be intensified by reinforcing education in postnatal clinics on the benefits of exclusive and prolonged breastfeeding for both infant health and maternal weight control. Furthermore, the study suggests that future research should focus on assessing the knowledge and attitudes towards maternal weight management among women attending postnatal clinics at Ekosodin Primary Health Centre.

Women play a crucial role in agriculture in Nigeria, contributing significantly to food production and the economy, which is often undervalued. The main objective of this study is to assess the participation of women farmers in cassava farming and extension services, The specific objectives include;
1. To describe the socioeconomic characteristics of women cassava farmers. 2. To identify the farming activities performed by women cassava farmers. 3. To identify the respondent's awareness and access to extension services. 4. To analyse the perception of the benefits of extension services on farming activities. 5. To identify the challenges faced by women cassava farmers. A multistage sampling was carried out with a random selection of female farmers from four communities in the Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo state, Nigeria. Data were analysed using frequency, mean, median, mode, standard deviation, percentage and tables, and the hypothesis was tested using multiple regression. Results showed that the greater proportion 35.8% of female farmers were within 40- 49 years old, 75.8% were married, 85.8% are literate, 42.5% of persons had a household size of 2-4, 58.3% of persons primary occupation was farming, 62.5% of persons participated in cassava production, 54.2% persons had a farming experience of 1-5 years, 45.8% persons had a farm size of less than one hectare, 35.8% of persons had an annual income of 200,000-500,000 naira, 90.8 % of persons used farm labour, 52.5% persons never had contact with an extension agent and 58% of farmers used family labour. Farmers participated in Land clearing ( �ത = 3.72), Planting (�ത = 3.53), Weeding (�ത = 3.99), Harvesting (�ത = 3.98), Processing (�ത = 3.75), Transportation (Mean=3.55), Processing to garri (�ത = 3.48) and Storage (�ത = 3.57). Majority of farmers were aware and had access to profitable market (�ത = 3.46), loans, farm credit and other financial aids (�ത = 3.50) and ownership of land for farm use ( �ത = 3.08). The farmers found the following services beneficial, access to profitable market (�ത = 3.26), access to loans and financial aid (�ത = 3.11), access to information on government policies (�ത = 3.88) and access to ownership of land for farm use (�ത = 3.71). The farmers faced the following challenges mobility restrictions and transportation difficulties (�ത = 3.86), high cost of input and storage facilities (�ത = 3.18), insufficient finance (�ത = 3.33), inadequate infrastructure (�ത = 3.68), expensive and inadequate farm labour (Mean=3.98), insecurity (�ത = 3.55) and pest and disease attack ( �ത = 3.97). I recommend that targeted extension programs should be developed, that address the specific needs and challenges faced by women farmers, including training on modern agricultural techniques and financial literacy

This study investigated gender inequality and women employment opportunities in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. The sample size was made up of 90 respondents. The data collected was analyzed using frequency count and simple percentage. The study revealed that societal norms, lack of access to education, lack of governmental support, gender stereotype and limited access to finance are the factors responsible for gender discrimination on employment opportunities for women in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. It was concluded that there is high level of gender inequality in employment opportunities among women in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. The study recommends that government should make concerted efforts towards ensuring women have access to credit loans which they could use to start up their own businesses. It was also recommended that the Senate and House of Representatives should consider the adoption of a bill that constitutes strategies to fight against discrimination in Nigeria.

In the agricultural economy of Edo State, Nigeria, women play a pivotal yet often under-documented role in the livestock sector. This study investigates the participation of women in pig and pork marketing in Benin City, exploring their impact on local food security and the urban economy. Methodology & Scope Using a combination of structured surveys and field observations across major meat hubs such as Santana, Oliha, and New Benin markets, the research analyzes the demographics, scale of operations, and profitability of female-led pork enterprises. Key Findings * Value Chain Positioning: While men dominate the production (far ing) and slaughtering stages, women hold a near-monopoly on retail marketing, processing (grilling/frying), and the distribution of pork products.

This study explored women’s contribution to socio-economic development of Ovia North - East Local Government Area of Edo State. It explores how women has made impactful contributions to the development of Ovia North-East. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study as five (5) research questions were raised to guide the investigation and the population of the study consisted of women residing in Ovia North-East Local Government Area while a total of one hundred (100) respondents were randomly selected as the sample size. A structured questionnaire titled Contribution of Women to The Socio-Economic Development Questionnaire (CWSEDQ) was used to collect data from respondents. The research instrument was validated by experts in the Department of Adult and Continuing Education. Data collected were statistically analyzed using frequency counts, simple percentage, mean scores and standard deviations. The results were presented in tables showing respondent’s responses and the decisions made based on the established decision rule. The findings revealed that women contribute significantly to socio-economic development, particularly in agriculture, small-scale enterprises, community development, family welfare, and local trade. The study further showed that women’s economic activities have a strong positive impact on household income and poverty reduction, as ix their involvement in business, cooperatives, and entrepreneurial ventures improves financial stability and living standards. Furthermore, women’s education was shown to be a major determinant of their socio-economic contribution, as educated women demonstrated higher participation, better decision-making, and stronger engagement in leadership and community development. Based on these findings, the study recommends improving women’s access to education, addressing cultural barriers through awareness campaigns among others. These measures are essential for enhancing women’s contributions to sustainable socio- economic development in Ovia North-East.

This study investigated the awareness of good nutrition before and during pregnancy among women for mother and child health in Ughelli North Local Government, Delta State. Ten (10) research questions were raised to guide the study and six (6) null hypotheses were formulated and tested. The descriptive survey design was adopted in the study. The population consisted of all registered pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in all the thirty (30) public health centers in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State. The sample of the study consist of 182 pregnant women. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used for the selection of the sample. In order to achieve the objectives of this study, a three-sectioned structured questionnaire was validated by the researcher supervisor and two data expert and reliability was ascerted using the cronbach alpha statistics with respective reliability coefficients of 0.78, 0.74, and 0,75 which yielded a mean cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.77 was administered to the selected pregnant women. Data collected were analysed and all the hypotheses were tested using both descriptive and inferential statistics of mean, standard deviation, mean difference and one-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA).

This study explores the attitudes of Oregbeni Market women towards immunization and the factors that influence their immunization decisions. A survey research design was employed, with data collected from 140 market women in Oregbeni Market, Edo State. The findings reveal that while there is a high level of awareness about the importance of immunization, knowledge about specific vaccines and the concept of immunization is limited. Negative attitudes, including fears of deformities and distrust in vaccine safety, are prevalent. Religion and culture significantly influence immunization attitudes, with some aligning their beliefs with medical consensus. Recommendations include tailored public health education campaigns, community engagement with local leaders, and further research to understand cultural nuances. Keywords: immunization, attitudes, Oregbeni Market, women, Nigeria, public health education