UNDP and Social Development of Women in Nigeria

The international community, specifically members of the United Nations, since the Dakar conference of 1979 aimed at women social development and integration into the development process have consistently committed material and financial resources towards achieving this noble objective. The UNDP in collaboration with national governments have been the special agency through which women empowerment programmes are implemented to enhance their social status and participation in National developments. UNDP intervention programme in Nigeria, specifically in Kaduna State based on the 4th and 5th country cooperation (1992 – 1996) and (1997 – 2002) were implemented between 1995 and 2005.This programme of intervention succeeded through its skills acquisition centres established in Samaru, Zaria, and Zangon Kataf in breaking the cultural barriers of women not having equal access to educational development opportunities with men. Out of the 1,605 persons who accessed the facilities of the Samaru Centre, 496 were women beneficiaries - 31%. And, out of 500 from the Zangon Kataf Centre, 173 women – 35% benefitted. These women acquired skills in tailoring/fashion design and computer appreciation.