An Assessment of Social Welfare Programme of Governors’ Wives for Rural Women in Akwa Ibom State: Past and Present

Abstract

Women constitute about half of the population of Akwa Ibom State. With adequate mobilization and sensitization, women especially rural women, could contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the State. The aim of the dtudy was to assess the Akwa Ibom State Governors’ wives efforts through different social welfare programmes from 1987 till 2015, aimed at improving the living standards of rural women in the State. The study adopted a historical and descriptive research drawing data from secondary sources. It was revealed from the study that between 1987 – May 1999, the then Governors’ wives welfare programmes for rural women centred on sensitization, mobilisation and enlightenment campaigns. It also revealed that from May 29, 1999 to 2015, the programmes took a different dimension as it became an avenue for implementing social and humanitarian programmes which resulted in physical and material changes in the lives of rural women in the State. Based on the findings, it was recommended from the study, among others, that the scope of this welfare programme be expanded to include more rural women.