Abstract:
This paper focused on empowering the rural women through Adult Education for development: the Nigerian experience. It notes that in spite of the advancement man has made to conquer his environment through education, the rural woman still wallows in ignorance, disempowerment and low self-esteem because of male domination. It takes a critical look at the situation of the women in general and the rural woman in particular with Nigeria as a reference point. It notes that Nigerian women, particularly rural women are wallowing in ignorance, abject poverty, total illiteracy, political bankruptcy and disempowerment. The paper discusses the concept of empowerment, what empowering education involves and also highlights the manifestation of female lack of power in Nigeria. The Better Life Programme (BLP) and its empowerment of women through non-formal education which was implemented in all States of Nigeria, is discussed and its benefits and successes highlighted. Since BLP was discontinued following a change of government, recommendations which will enable Nigeria to institute and enhance the empowerment of women, particularly the rural women in Nigeria, are proffered.
