Constraints to participation in the management of cooperative societies: insights for women in Awka community
Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy
ISSN: 1750-6204
Article publication date: 5 April 2021
Issue publication date: 27 July 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore women’s participation in cooperative societies and the constraints in attaining management positions. Despite the importance of gender equality as a tool for national economic growth gaining prominent attention, women’s access to leadership and decision-making in cooperative societies remains under-researched.
Design/methodology/approach
This study hinges on management and gender theories and systematic literature reviews. This study used a descriptive survey research design for primary data derived from a purposive non-random sampling technique that selected seven (7) active cooperative societies in Awka-South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Structured questionnaires were administered to the selected sample of 129 members. The hypotheses were analyzed using the T-test statistical model.
Findings
This study revealed that social, legal, economic and cultural constraints affected women’s participation in cooperative societies in Awka, Anambra State. Also, that the African-based culture and family traditions, patriarchal societal system, household responsibilities and homemaker roles, religious associations, certain strict cooperative entry requirements, limitation on women’s access to resources and low paid wages and non-participatory training activities constrained the women. Therefore, the authors recommended that cooperatives should institute measures to encourage an increase in women members’ participation at the committee level and build their capacity own economic resources.
Originality/value
This paper focuses on barriers that inhibit women’s participation in cooperative societies with a particular focus on their opportunities and outcomes.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors, however, want to acknowledge the willingness of the respondents to cooperate with them. To the presidents of these societies, the authors deeply appreciate their time and effort in ensuring the presence of their members to enable the authors access needed information.
Funding: This is a study solely based on the inputs of the authors. The authors confirm that this study was self-funded.
Citation
Aju, S.I. and Adeosun, O.T. (2021), "Constraints to participation in the management of cooperative societies: insights for women in Awka community", Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 508-530. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEC-08-2020-0146
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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