CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) is a non-governmental and non-

profit organization established to promote the welfare and development of women and children

within military communities across Nigeria. Since its formation in 1964, NAOWA has evolved

into a critical socio-economic support structure, particularly in army barracks where military

families often face unique challenges due to the nature of military life. The association is known

for implementing various empowerment initiatives, including vocational training, educational

programs, healthcare services, and community development projects.

Women empowerment has become an important development goal globally, and in Nigeria,

organizations like NAOWA have made substantial efforts to improve the socio-economic status

of women, especially those within marginalized communities such as army barracks.

Empowering women in such settings is not only about improving individual well-being but also

enhancing their capacity to contribute to community development. NAOWA’s initiatives have

contributed to creating enabling environments where women can acquire skills, start businesses,

and become socially and economically independent.

This study seeks to investigate the role of NAOWA in the empowerment of women and the

promotion of social development in army communities of Bauchi LGA, focusing on the

association’s activities, impact, and challenges.

The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) is a voluntary, non-governmental

organization established in 1964 to support the welfare and development of military families. As

1
noted by Adeyemi and Ibrahim (2018), NAOWA was founded to address the unique challenges

faced by families of military personnel, especially women and children who often experience

displacement, limited economic opportunities, and restricted access to public services. NAOWA

operates nationally and locally under a hierarchical structure, typically led by the wife of the

Chief of Army Staff at the national level and commanding officers’ wives at the state or barrack

level.

According to Eze and Obasi (2020), NAOWA implements several programs focused on

education (through NAOWA schools), healthcare (maternal clinics and outreach), vocational

training, and financial empowerment. In Bauchi LGA, NAOWA’s activities in communities like

Shadawanka Barracks play a vital role in supporting barrack residents through skills acquisition

centres and welfare packages. Their presence helps to bridge development gaps in these semi-

isolated communities.

Women empowerment is the process through which women gain the ability to make strategic life

choices, access resources, and control decisions that affect their lives (Kabeer, 1999). It includes

various dimensions such as economic, educational, psychological, and political empowerment.

Economic empowerment enables women to earn income and gain financial independence, while

educational empowerment improves access to literacy and lifelong learning.

In military communities, empowerment becomes more complex due to socio-cultural and

institutional limitations. As highlighted by Omotola and Ibijola (2017), women in military

environments often experience economic marginalization and social isolation due to the transient

nature of military life. NAOWA’s empowerment strategies—such as vocational training,

provision of startup kits, adult education, and leadership programs—are designed to address

these issues and uplift the social and economic status of army wives.

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Social development refers to a process that improves the well-being of individuals and

communities through better access to resources, improved living conditions, and inclusive social

structures (Midgley, 1995). It encompasses aspects such as education, health, housing, social

inclusion, and access to opportunities. In military barracks, such development is often shaped by

internal structures such as NAOWA, given the limited external interventions.

As noted by Akinyemi and Ojo (2021), the Nigerian military barracks are micro-societies with

unique social challenges, including limited infrastructure, social exclusion, and vulnerability

among women and children. NAOWA contributes to social development through the

establishment of schools, clinics, women cooperative societies, and youth development

initiatives. These efforts have helped to reduce youth restiveness, improve healthcare delivery,

and promote social harmony within army communities.

Army communities refer to residential and social environments primarily occupied by serving

military personnel and their families. In Bauchi Local Government Area, the most notable

military community is Shadawanka Barracks, which houses a large population of soldiers and

their dependents. These communities are often described as semi-isolated due to their unique

institutional rules, command structures, and physical separation from civilian life.

According to Musa and Suleiman (2019), military communities face several developmental

challenges, including limited access to formal employment, disrupted schooling due to frequent

relocation, and high dependence on internal welfare structures like NAOWA. The closed nature

of these communities necessitates specialized interventions that consider the peculiar dynamics

of military life. NAOWA has become a vital actor in these spaces, especially in places like

Bauchi LGA where government social services are often overstretched.

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1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite various efforts at women empowerment and social development in Nigeria, many

women in military barracks remain economically and socially disadvantaged.

Challenges faced by women in Bauchi Army Communities include:

Unemployment – Many women depend solely on their husbands’ income due to lack of paid

jobs within the barracks.

Low Educational Attainment – Limited access to formal and adult education reduces their

chances of skill development and better livelihoods.

Restricted Access to Income-Generating Opportunities – Cultural barriers, mobility

restrictions, and inadequate capital hinder women from engaging in small businesses or

trades.

Limited Vocational Training and Skills Acquisition Programs – Few opportunities exist

for women to gain practical skills that can sustain them economically.

Dependence on Military Support Structures – Over-reliance on military welfare reduces

women’s independence and empowerment prospects.

Social Isolation – Frequent relocations and restricted interaction with the external

community weaken women’s social networks and opportunities for collaboration.

Inadequate Awareness of Empowerment Programs – Many women are unaware of

NAOWA’s initiatives or how to access them.

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1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to assess the role of NAOWA in promoting women

empowerment and social development in army communities of Bauchi LGA.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Examine the types of empowerment programs initiated by NAOWA in Bauchi LGA.

2. Assess the impact of these programs on the economic and social lives of women in army

communities.

3. Investigate NAOWA’s contributions to social development in Bauchi’s army

communities.

4. Explore the perceptions of beneficiaries toward NAOWA programs.

5. Identify the challenges faced by NAOWA in implementing women empowerment and

social development initiatives.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What types of empowerment programs has NAOWA implemented in army communities

of Bauchi LGA?

2. How have these programs impacted the economic and social lives of women in the

barracks?

3. What contributions has NAOWA made to social development in Bauchi’s army

communities?

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 4. What are the perceptions of beneficiaries regarding NAOWA's activities?

5. What are the challenges faced by NAOWA in the implementation of its programs?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several reasons. First, it will provide valuable insights into the role of

NAOWA in addressing gender and social inequalities within military communities. Second, the

findings will assist NAOWA and other stakeholders in understanding the strengths and

weaknesses of current programs and making informed decisions for improvement. Third, it will

contribute to academic knowledge on women empowerment and social development in military

environments, a relatively under-researched area.

Furthermore, policymakers, military administrators, NGOs, and development agencies can use

the study’s recommendations to design better strategies to support women and promote inclusive

development in army barracks. Ultimately, the study aims to enhance the quality of life for army

wives and families in Bauchi LGA through effective policy advocacy and development planning.

1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study is geographically limited to army communities in Bauchi LGA, with a particular

focus on Shadawanka Barracks and other adjacent military residential areas. Thematically, it

focuses on NAOWA’s role in promoting women empowerment and social development. The

study will not cover NAOWA’s activities in other LGAs or states, nor will it delve into general

military operations or policies beyond the scope of family welfare.

1.7 Definition of Terms

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 NAOWA (Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association): A non-governmental

organization managed by the wives of Nigerian Army officers to promote the welfare of

women and children in army communities.

 Women Empowerment: The process of increasing women’s access to resources, skills,

and opportunities for economic and social independence.

 Social Development: Improvements in the well-being, living standards, and social

integration of individuals and communities.

 Army Communities: Residential and social settlements occupied primarily by military

personnel and their families, including barracks.

 Bauchi LGA: A Local Government Area in Bauchi State, Nigeria, which includes

military communities such as Shadawanka Barracks.

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 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Conceptual Review

2.1.1 Concept of Women Empowerment

Women empowerment refers to the process of enhancing women’s capacity to make strategic life

choices in contexts where this ability was previously denied (Kabeer, 1999). It involves

expanding their access to resources, improving decision-making power, and strengthening their

agency in social, political, and economic spheres. The concept is multidimensional,

encompassing education, employment, access to finance, leadership participation, and social

inclusion. In Nigeria, women empowerment has been recognized as an integral part of

sustainable development, as outlined in the National Gender Policy (2006), which emphasizes

gender equality, women’s empowerment, and social inclusion as key pillars of national progress

(Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, 2006).

Empirical studies reveal that education, income opportunities, and access to credit are strong

predictors of empowerment among Nigerian women (Okeke, 2018; Odu & Oyewole, 2020).

Conversely, low levels of education, cultural restrictions, and poverty have been shown to limit

women’s empowerment, especially in rural and structured communities such as military barracks

(Aina, 2012). This makes empowerment initiatives particularly significant for army wives who

often face additional constraints compared to civilian women.

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2.1.2 Concept of Social Development

Social development is commonly defined as a process of planned change designed to promote

people’s well-being in conjunction with economic advancement (Midgley, 1995). It focuses on

improving human welfare through education, health, social protection, and participation in

community life. Unlike economic development, which emphasizes growth, social development

stresses equity, inclusivity, and sustainability. In the Nigerian context, social development

policies are aimed at enhancing citizens’ quality of life by addressing poverty, unemployment,

inequality, and limited access to services (Obi, 2014).

Within military communities, social development takes on a distinct character due to the

regimented nature of barracks life, frequent relocations, and limited external interactions

(Ibrahim, 2017). Consequently, women in these settings may experience social isolation and

limited participation in economic and civic activities. Social development programs targeted at

military families therefore need to focus not only on welfare but also on creating sustainable

systems for skills development, health care, and education.

2.1.3 The Role of NAOWA in Women Empowerment

The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) is a voluntary, non-governmental,

non-profit organization established to promote the welfare of families within military

communities. Founded in 1964, NAOWA has grown into a nationwide network of women-led

initiatives addressing issues of education, skills acquisition, and social welfare (NAOWA, 2021).

The association engages in a wide range of programs, including vocational training,

entrepreneurship support, and micro-credit schemes, which are designed to enhance women’s

financial independence and household resilience (Ojo, 2019).

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Recent NAOWA projects include the establishment of schools, hospitals, and vocational training

centers across different army divisions, including tailoring, catering, computer literacy, and

information technology programs. These initiatives not only equip women with relevant skills

but also provide start-up support to enable them to translate skills into viable income-generating

activities (Okafor, 2020). By doing so, NAOWA aligns itself with the objectives of the National

Gender Policy and international frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5

on Gender Equality), which emphasize women’s empowerment as a driver of social

transformation (United Nations, 2015).

2.1.4 NAOWA and Social Development in Military Communities

Military communities are unique social spaces characterized by frequent postings, restricted

interactions with external society, and heavy reliance on military welfare structures (Adisa,

2016). These conditions often limit women’s social participation, isolate them from broader

economic opportunities, and reinforce dependency on their spouses’ income. In response,

NAOWA has expanded its programs beyond individual empowerment to broader community

development. For instance, the association has established educational institutions, health

facilities, and community-based organizations that benefit both women and children in army

communities (Eze, 2020).

Within this context, NAOWA contributes to social development through:

 Education & skills infrastructure: operating schools and training centres that build

human capital and community cohesion. naowa.ng

 Economic empowerment pathways: training (ICT, vocational) and micro-enterprise

support that increase women’s agency and household resilience. naowa.ng

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  Health & social services: facilities like ACNHA and periodic humanitarian drives that

reduce vulnerability and enhance social protection. ACNHA

 Community cohesion & identity: organized associations/events that connect families,

mitigate relocation shocks and strengthen informal support systems in otherwise closed

settings.

However, documentation of NAOWA’s measured impact at sub-national levels (e.g., Bauchi

LGA) is limited in the scholarly record; most evidence is descriptive, programmatic or media-

based. This empirical gap—how many women reached, what competencies gained, income or

employment changes, sustainability of enterprises, and barriers (funding, uptake, continuity

when postings change)—is precisely where rigorous local studies can add value. Such studies

should align outcome indicators with Nigeria’s policy priorities under the NGP and standard

empowerment dimensions (agency, resources, achievements).

Through periodic empowerment programs, NAOWA contributes to reducing poverty, promoting

education, and strengthening family welfare in barracks. Its humanitarian interventions, such as

health awareness campaigns, provision of scholarships, and social support for widows and

vulnerable children, further highlight its role in fostering social development (Aliyu, 2021).

However, while these contributions are commendable, there is limited empirical research

evaluating the depth of NAOWA’s impact, particularly at the local government level in Bauchi.

Most available reports are descriptive, with little systematic assessment of how empowerment

translates into sustainable income, social integration, and reduced vulnerability for military

families. This study, therefore, seeks to fill this gap by assessing NAOWA’s role in promoting

women empowerment and social development in army communities of Bauchi LGA.

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2.2 Theoretical Review

2.2.1 Relevant Theories of Empowerment and Social Development

Theoretical frameworks provide the foundation for understanding empowerment and social

development processes, particularly in unique contexts such as military communities. For this

study, three key theories are examined: Kabeer’s Empowerment Framework, Social Capital

Theory, and Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach. These theories are not only widely applied in

gender and development research but also offer conceptual clarity on how organizations like

NAOWA contribute to women empowerment and community development.

Kabeer’s Empowerment Framework

Kabeer (1999) conceptualizes empowerment as the process by which women gain the ability to

make strategic life choices in contexts where this capacity was previously denied. The

framework identifies three interrelated dimensions of empowerment: resources, agency, and

achievements. Resources refer to access to material, human, and social assets such as education,

income, and networks. Agency is the capacity to define one’s goals and act upon them, while

achievements are the outcomes realized from exercising agency.

In the Nigerian context, many women in military barracks face limited resources due to

unemployment, restricted mobility, and lack of access to financial institutions. NAOWA

interventions, such as vocational training centers, micro-credit schemes, and schools, directly

address this resource gap by providing women with education and skills. These programs

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enhance agency by enabling women to make economic decisions independently, thus reducing

over-dependence on their spouses’ income. The achievements dimension can be seen in

improved household welfare, children’s education, and greater participation of women in

community activities.

However, the effectiveness of empowerment in military settings may be constrained by structural

barriers, such as patriarchal norms, frequent relocations, and military regulations that restrict

external engagement. Kabeer’s framework underscores the need to address these systemic

barriers alongside capacity-building programs. This study, therefore, applies the framework to

assess the extent to which NAOWA’s initiatives enhance resources, strengthen agency, and

generate sustainable achievements for women in Bauchi army communities.

2.2.2 Social Capital Theory

Social Capital Theory, popularized by Bourdieu (1986) and Coleman (1990), emphasizes the

value of networks, norms, and trust in facilitating collective action and resource exchange. Social

capital exists in two main forms: bonding social capital (close ties within a group) and bridging

social capital (connections with external networks). Both forms are crucial for empowerment and

social development.

Military communities, by nature, are highly structured and inward-looking, often resulting in

limited external interactions. While bonding social capital among army wives can provide

emotional support, shared identity, and mutual assistance, it may also reinforce insularity.

NAOWA plays a critical role in transforming bonding capital into bridging capital by linking

women in military communities with educational institutions, training providers, non-

governmental organizations, and donor agencies. For example, NAOWA’s collaboration with

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external partners in ICT and vocational training programs exposes women to new skills and

market opportunities.

Social capital theory also helps explain the role of NAOWA in fostering community cohesion.

By organizing welfare projects, health campaigns, and social events, NAOWA strengthens trust,

solidarity, and participation within barracks communities. These activities not only empower

women individually but also contribute to collective well-being, which is essential for

sustainable social development. Nevertheless, critics argue that without strong bridging capital,

women’s opportunities remain limited to the barracks environment, making it difficult for

empowerment gains to translate into broader societal inclusion.

2.2.3 Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach

Sen’s Capability Approach (1999) provides a human-centered framework for evaluating

development by focusing on individuals’ capabilities—the real freedoms people have to live

lives they value. The approach shifts attention from mere access to resources (means) to the

substantive freedoms (ends) that individuals can achieve. Key capabilities include education,

health, participation, and economic independence.

Applied to the context of NAOWA, the Capability Approach highlights the importance of

expanding women’s real freedoms in military communities. NAOWA’s educational institutions,

skills training centers, and micro-enterprise programs contribute to building women’s capabilities

by enhancing literacy, employability, and income-generating opportunities. Beyond material

gains, these programs increase women’s sense of self-worth, agency, and ability to participate

meaningfully in community development.

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In Bauchi’s army communities, frequent relocations and security restrictions often curtail

women’s freedoms to pursue employment or education outside the barracks. By situating

empowerment programs within the military environment, NAOWA removes some of these

structural barriers and makes capabilities more accessible. For instance, access to NAOWA

schools and vocational centers ensures continuity of education and training despite relocations.

From Sen’s perspective, the true measure of empowerment lies not only in access to training but

in whether women gain the freedom to convert skills into sustainable livelihoods.

2.2.4 Synthesis of Theories

Taken together, these three theories provide a holistic framework for analyzing NAOWA’s role in

empowerment and social development. Kabeer’s framework highlights the transformation of

resources into agency and achievements; Social Capital Theory explains the importance of

networks and collective participation; and the Capability Approach emphasizes real freedoms

and well-being. These perspectives complement one another and are directly applicable to

military contexts, where women face unique barriers.

This study adopts these theories to guide its analysis, recognizing that empowerment is not

merely about skill acquisition but also about overcoming structural barriers, enhancing social

connections, and expanding women’s freedoms to live fulfilling lives. By situating NAOWA’s

initiatives within these theoretical lenses, the study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation

of how the association contributes to women empowerment and social development in Bauchi

army communities.

2.3 Empirical Review

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Empirical studies provide evidence of how women empowerment and social development

initiatives function in real contexts, including their outcomes, strengths, and limitations. In

Nigeria, there has been an increasing body of literature on women’s empowerment, but research

focusing specifically on military communities remains relatively sparse. The following review

considers relevant studies in two subsections: women empowerment in military communities,

and NAOWA’s contributions in Nigeria.

2.3.1 Studies on Women Empowerment in Military Communities

Research on women in military communities reveals unique empowerment challenges stemming

from the closed nature of barracks life, frequent relocations, and dependence on military welfare

structures. Adisa (2016) found that women in Nigerian military barracks often experience

restricted access to external economic opportunities due to the regimented lifestyle of their

spouses. The study highlighted that while women possessed entrepreneurial skills, security

restrictions and mobility barriers limited their ability to connect with larger markets.

Similarly, Ibrahim (2017) observed that barracks women in Kaduna and Abuja faced higher rates

of unemployment compared to their civilian counterparts, largely because they were unable to

pursue continuous education or maintain long-term employment due to frequent transfers of their

husbands. However, Ibrahim also noted that women engaged in petty trading and informal

activities within the barracks, which provided supplementary income and contributed to

household survival.

In a comparative study, Musa and Tanko (2019) examined empowerment programs in both

civilian and military communities in Northern Nigeria. Their findings revealed that military

women benefitted from greater internal solidarity and peer support but had fewer opportunities to

16
participate in governmental and NGO programs due to restricted access. They concluded that

empowerment initiatives that operate within the military environment itself—such as those

organized by NAOWA—are more sustainable because they overcome access barriers.

Outside Nigeria, international studies also point to similar dynamics. In Ghana, Amankwah

(2020) found that wives of military officers relied heavily on welfare associations for social and

economic support. Programs providing vocational skills and microfinance access were associated

with improved women’s agency and household welfare. Likewise, research on U.S. military

families (Harrell, 2001) emphasized that empowerment initiatives for army spouses were

essential for resilience, as they mitigated the stress of relocations and long deployments. These

findings collectively underscore the importance of localized empowerment programs within

military communities.

2.3.2 Studies on NAOWA’s Contributions in Nigeria

The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) has attracted scholarly and media

attention due to its community-based initiatives. Eze (2020) documented NAOWA’s involvement

in establishing educational institutions, including nursery, primary, and secondary schools across

different army divisions. These schools provide continuity of education for children of military

families, especially given the frequent relocations that could otherwise disrupt schooling. This, in

turn, contributes indirectly to women empowerment by reducing the childcare burden on mothers

and creating opportunities for them to pursue economic activities.

Okafor (2020) evaluated NAOWA’s vocational training programs in Abuja, revealing that over

60% of women who participated in tailoring, catering, and ICT training were able to initiate

small-scale businesses within the barracks. However, the study also noted challenges of

17
inadequate capital, lack of market access, and difficulty sustaining businesses during relocations.

These findings suggest that while NAOWA plays a significant role in skill development,

structural and financial barriers still limit the long-term impact.

In Bauchi and other northern states, media and NGO reports show that NAOWA regularly

conducts empowerment drives, such as distribution of sewing machines, grinding machines, and

other start-up equipment to women (Aliyu, 2021). While these efforts are commendable, formal

empirical studies evaluating their outcomes remain limited. This reflects a broader scholarly gap

—there is much documentation of NAOWA’s activities, but less rigorous analysis of their

measurable impact on women’s income, agency, and social participation.

Another study by Ojo (2019) emphasized NAOWA’s role in promoting social development

through health initiatives. The establishment of the Army Command and NAOWA Hospital

(ACNHA) in Abuja provides not only healthcare for military families but also employment

opportunities for women trained in nursing and allied fields. Ojo observed that access to such

healthcare facilities reduced the vulnerability of military women and enhanced their quality of

life, thereby linking empowerment with social protection.

Overall, the literature indicates that NAOWA has made tangible contributions in areas of

education, health, and vocational training. Nevertheless, there is a lack of systematic evaluations

of its effectiveness at the local government level, such as in Bauchi LGA. This underscores the

need for context-specific studies that assess both successes and constraints of NAOWA’s

interventions.

2.4 Summary of Literature Review and Gap Identified

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The review of conceptual literature established that women empowerment is a multidimensional

process involving access to resources, decision-making agency, and meaningful achievements

(Kabeer, 1999). Social development, on the other hand, refers to planned interventions that

improve well-being through education, health, and social inclusion (Midgley, 1995). Both

concepts are highly relevant in military communities, where structural barriers limit women’s

opportunities. The theoretical review further demonstrated that frameworks such as Kabeer’s

Empowerment Model, Social Capital Theory, and Sen’s Capability Approach provide useful

lenses for analyzing empowerment and development in the unique environment of military

barracks.

The empirical literature reviewed shows that women in military communities often face

challenges such as unemployment, restricted mobility, and limited access to empowerment

programs (Adisa, 2016; Ibrahim, 2017). NAOWA has responded by creating educational

institutions, vocational centers, and health facilities, thereby contributing to both empowerment

and social development (Okafor, 2020; Eze, 2020). However, despite the breadth of NAOWA’s

interventions, scholarly studies have primarily been descriptive, focusing on program outputs

rather than long-term outcomes.

The gap identified lies in the limited documentation of NAOWA’s impact at local levels,

especially in Bauchi LGA. Existing studies largely generalize NAOWA’s contributions across

Nigeria, with few that systematically assess the extent to which women have been empowered,

how programs meet beneficiaries’ needs, and what barriers hinder sustainability. This gap

provides the justification for the present study, which seeks to critically assess NAOWA’s role in

promoting women empowerment and social development in army communities of Bauchi LGA.

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 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design

This study adopts a descriptive survey research design, which is suitable for gathering

information on the perceptions, attitudes, and experiences of women in army communities

regarding the role of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA). The design is

appropriate because it allows the researcher to collect quantitative and qualitative data from a

large population and analyze it systematically to assess the extent to which NAOWA contributes

to women empowerment and social development (Creswell, 2018).

3.2 Area of the Study

The study is carried out in Bauchi Local Government Area (LGA) of Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Specifically, the research focuses on army communities within Bauchi metropolis, where the

Nigerian Army has significant presence. These communities are characterized by a mixture of

civilian and military families, with NAOWA actively engaged in providing support services,

vocational training, and social welfare interventions. Bauchi LGA is chosen due to its strategic

military presence and the active participation of NAOWA in women’s empowerment and social

development activitie

3.3 Population of the Study

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The population of this study comprises all members of NAOWA and women residing within

army communities in Bauchi LGA. This includes officers’ wives, soldiers’ wives, widows, and

women beneficiaries of NAOWA’s empowerment initiatives. For accuracy, the estimated target

population is approximately 1,200 women, based on records from NAOWA Bauchi Chapter and

military community registers (NAOWA Bauchi Records, 2023).

3.4 Sample Size and Sampling Technique

The sample size for this study will be determined using Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) sample size

determination table. For a population of about 1,200, the recommended sample size is

approximately 291 respondents.

A stratified random sampling technique will be employed to ensure representation of various

categories of women in the community, such as officers’ wives, soldiers’ wives, widows, and

other beneficiaries. This method ensures that each group within the population is proportionally

represented in the study.

3.5 Method of Data Collection

Data will be collected through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews (KIIs).

The questionnaire will be distributed to a broad sample of women, while KIIs will be conducted

with NAOWA leaders, community representatives, and beneficiaries of empowerment programs.

This combination allows for both quantitative and qualitative insights.

3.6 Research Instrument

The main instrument of data collection is a structured questionnaire consisting of two sections:

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  Section A: Demographic information of respondents (age, marital status, educational

background, occupation, etc.).

 Section B: Research questions designed on a five-point Likert scale (Strongly Agree to

Strongly Disagree), focusing on women empowerment, social development, and

NAOWA’s roles.

The KII guide will contain open-ended questions to obtain deeper insights into the challenges

and successes of NAOWA’s activities.

3.7 Validity and Reliability of the Instrument

 Validity: Content validity will be ensured by subjecting the questionnaire to expert

review from lecturers in the Department of Social Development, ATAP Bauchi, and

practitioners in women empowerment programs.

 Reliability: A pilot test will be conducted with 30 respondents outside the study area.

The Cronbach’s Alpha test will be applied to measure internal consistency, with a

reliability coefficient of 0.70 or above considered acceptable (Nunnally, 1978).

3.8 Method of Data Analysis

Quantitative data from questionnaires will be analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean,

frequency, percentages, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (chi-square test,

correlation, and regression analysis) with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences

(SPSS) version 25.

Qualitative data from interviews will be analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes

and patterns in responses.

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3.9 Ethical Considerations

This study upholds ethical standards by ensuring:

1. Informed Consent – Respondents will be briefed on the purpose of the research and

their voluntary participation will be sought.

2. Confidentiality – Information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality and

used solely for research purposes.

3. Anonymity – No respondent’s name will be recorded or published.

4. Non-maleficence – The study will avoid any form of harm or discomfort to participants.

5. Permission – Approval will be sought from NAOWA Bauchi Chapter and relevant

authorities before administering instruments.

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 Questionnaire
Topic: Assessing the Role of NAOWA in Promoting Women Empowerment and Social
Development in Army Communities of Bauchi LGA
Section A: Demographic Information

1. Gender: ☐ Male ☐ Female

2. Age: ☐ 18–25 ☐ 26–35 ☐ 36–45 ☐ 46 and above
3. Marital Status: ☐ Single ☐ Married ☐ Divorced ☐ Widowed
4. Educational Level: ☐ Primary ☐ Secondary ☐ Tertiary ☐ None
5. Occupation: ☐ Civil Servant ☐ Trader ☐ Artisan ☐ Unemployed ☐ Others (Specify)
______
6. Duration of Stay in the Barracks: ☐ Less than 1 year ☐ 1–5 years ☐ Above 5 years

Section B: Research Questions

Research Question 1: What types of empowerment programs has NAOWA implemented in

army communities of Bauchi LGA?
S/ Statement S A U D SD
N A
1 NAOWA organizes regular vocational training programs for
women in the barracks.
2 NAOWA provides financial empowerment and skills acquisition
opportunities for women.
3 Educational support programs (scholarships, adult literacy) are
implemented by NAOWA.
4 NAOWA conducts health and wellness programs targeting
women.
5 NAOWA collaborates with NGOs and government agencies to
support empowerment programs.

Research Question 2: How have these programs impacted the economic and social lives of
women in the barracks?
S/ Statement S A U D SD
N A
1 NAOWA’s programs have improved the income-generating
capacity of women.
2 Women beneficiaries have gained economic independence
through NAOWA initiatives.
3 NAOWA has enhanced women’s participation in community
decision-making.
4 Social relationships among women in the barracks have

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 improved due to NAOWA programs.
5 NAOWA’s programs have reduced economic hardship among
women in the army communities.

Research Question 3: What contributions has NAOWA made to social development in

Bauchi’s army communities?
S/ Statement S A U D SD
N A
1 NAOWA has contributed to improved access to healthcare
facilities in the barracks.
2 NAOWA supports educational infrastructure in Bauchi army
communities.
3 Social welfare programs (widow/orphan support) are provided by
NAOWA.
4 NAOWA promotes cultural, social, and recreational activities
within the barracks.
5 NAOWA has enhanced unity and cooperation among families in
Bauchi army communities.

Research Question 4: What are the perceptions of beneficiaries regarding NAOWA's

activities?
S/ Statement S A U D SD
N A
1 Beneficiaries believe NAOWA’s programs are relevant to their
needs.
2 Women in the barracks perceive NAOWA as a strong promoter
of empowerment.
3 Beneficiaries are satisfied with the outcomes of NAOWA’s
initiatives.
4 Women believe NAOWA’s activities improve their status in the
society.
5 There is a positive overall perception of NAOWA’s role in
women empowerment.
Research Question 5: What are the challenges faced by NAOWA in the implementation of
its programs?
S/ Statement S A U D SD
N A
1 NAOWA faces financial constraints in implementing its
programs.
2 Lack of adequate government support affects NAOWA’s
effectiveness.

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 3 Cultural and religious beliefs sometimes hinder women’s
participation in NAOWA programs.
4 Inadequate infrastructure and resources limit NAOWA’s
activities.
5 Limited awareness among women reduces the participation in
NAOWA’s programs.

References:

Musa, A. & Suleiman, H. (2019). Barrack life and social adaptation among army wives in

Nigeria. International Journal of Social Science and Policy Review, 5(1), 88–99.

Adeyemi, F., & Ibrahim, M. (2018). Welfare and development organizations in military settings:

The role of NAOWA. Nigerian Journal of Social Research, 6(2), 121–135.

Eze, J., & Obasi, C. (2020). Women’s associations and community development in Nigeria: A

case study of NAOWA. Journal of Gender and Development Studies, 11(1), 56–67.

✅ 2. Women Empowerment

(Dependent Variable 1)

References:

Kabeer, N. (1999). Resources, agency, achievements: Reflections on the measurement of

women's empowerment. Development and Change, 30(3), 435–464.

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Omotola, A. & Ibijola, E. (2017). Women empowerment in military communities: A case study of

the Nigerian Army. Journal of Military and Social Studies, 4(1), 45–59.

✅ 3. Social Development

(Dependent Variable 2)

References:

Midgley, J. (1995). Social Development: The Developmental Perspective in Social Welfare.

SAGE Publications.

Akinyemi, D., & Ojo, K. (2021). Internal mechanisms for social development in Nigerian

military environments. African Journal of Social Development, 9(3), 101–117.

✅ 4. Army Communities in Bauchi LGA

(Study Context / Background Variable)

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