Vol. 2008 No. 1 (2008)
Gender Justice and Legal Empowerment in Rural Nigeria: An Action Research Study
Abstract
Rural areas in Nigeria face significant gender disparities in legal rights and access to justice. Qualitative research methods including focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and participatory observation were employed to gather data from rural communities in Nigeria. Women reported a significant increase in awareness about their legal rights after the intervention, with a notable 60% improvement in understanding of land ownership laws. The study underscores the effectiveness of community-based legal empowerment programmes in improving women's access to justice and enhancing gender equality in rural settings. Continuation of tailored interventions supported by policy reforms is recommended to sustain these positive outcomes.