Women as Change Agent for Sustainable Development in the 21st Century in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated women as change agent for sustainable development in the 21st century Nigeria. Two research questions guided the study; why are women the change agent in the 21st century in Nigeria for sustainable development? What are the hindrances that negate their active participation in sustainable development in Nigeria? descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population consists of 5.6 million women in South-East Nigeria. The sample size was 400 women. The sampling technique adopted was multi stage sampling and simple random sampling. Data collected were analyzed using mean. The findings of the study showed that women in 21st century Nigeria are change agents for sustainable development because they posses characteristics such as community advocacy roles, promotion and grassroots mobilizations to achieve different change that could rob off on the socio-economic life of the people , contribution to the economy through business both at retail, wholesale and production level, care for the family, nurture and play a significant role in community building, mobilization skills, teaching skills , disciplinarian skills, disburser and manager of funds in the home, caregivers, educators, teacher, organizer, and home making. It was concluded among others that the role of women as agents of sustainable development seems to be more potent, effective and holds the possibilities of fostering a positive change that span the different areas for sustainable development . From the foregoing evidences, it is safe to deduce that through the use of women as agents for sustainable development, it is easier and gives a better result in the 21st century Nigeria that is battling with a lot of cultural, religious and political inclinations against women.