Performance of Women Cooperativesin Addressing Gender Inequality Issues in Enugu State, Nigeria

Background: Women significantly contribute to economic and social development, particularly in family welfare, food security and income generation among others, yet their efforts are often overlooked, as gender inequalities persist, affecting women's ability to secure employment and earn fair and equal income, access credit facilities and obtain farm inputs at subsidized rates among others. While co-operatives in Enugu State have empowered women, gaps remain in understanding local gender inequalities, which this study seeks to address. Objective: This study focused on performance of women co-operatives in addressing gender inequality issues in Enugu State, Nigeria. Method: The study adopted descriptive survey design to obtain information from the respondents, and was carried out in Enugu State, Nigeria, as 204 members from 9 selected registered women co-operatives were sampled using simple random sampling technique from the three senatorial districts of the state. A structured questionnaire with 16 items, designed on a Likert format was used to obtain information from the respondents. Data were analyzed in frequency tables and simple percentages. The formulated hypotheses were tested using simple linear regression tool and Pearson product moment correlation coefficient. Results: Women co-operatives had a significant positive effect on job creation for women and a significant positive relationship existed between women co-operatives and the provision of income generating activities for women in Enugu State Conclusion: The study concluded that women co-operatives effectively mitigate gender inequality as they enhance job creation and provide valuable income-generating activities, demonstrating their positive impact in addressing gender inequality issues like lack of employment opportunities, lack of income generating activities among others for women. Addressing gender inequality in Enugu State requires robust support for women co-operatives, enhancing economic opportunities and empowering women. Unique Contribution: This study expands knowledge by demonstrating the significant role of women co-operatives in job creation and income generation through agriculture and manufacturing, offering a comprehensive approach to addressing gender inequality. Key Recommendation: Expand support for women co-operatives to enhance job creation.by increasing funding, provide training; improve access to markets and strengthen income-generating activities within women co-operatives by offering targeted business development programs and resources for skill enhancement and market access.