Women Empowerment Perspective of Tourism Development at Idanre Hills, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Tourism has established new opportunities for the female gender through generating and propagating independence and income, particularly in developing countries and rural communities. This study identifies socio-demographic characteristics, employment status and women  empowerment initiatives at Idanre Hills, Ondo State, Nigeria. The study employed the use of structured questionnaire targeted randomly at 120 women residents of Idanre community. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 21 and results were presented descriptively; through charts, percentage tables and inferentially; through chi square. Results indicated that majority of the women are within age group of 36-45 years (36.7%) and have secondary education (50.8%). Also, highest percentage of the women are not employed by the ministry of tourism (89.2%) while majority of the women employed are cleaners (46.67%). The women are majorly basic food sellers (38.3%) at the tourism destination and this forms their role in tourism activities there. Furthermore, there is a significant relationship between employment status and socio-demographic characteristics of the women (p<0.05). Women are presently under-utilized and underempowered and should be involved more in core tourism activities at Idanre Hills.

Keywords: Employment, Empowerment, Gender, Tourism, Women.