Financial Digital Inclusion and Women’s Empowerment

Financial Digital Inclusion and Women’s Empowerment in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Evidence from Nigeria

by with No Comment Publications

Authors: Akeju Kemi Funlayo, Oluwayemisi Kadijat Adeleke, Judith Ifunanya Ani, Chisaa Onyekachi Igbolekwu

The limited influence of African women on resources and decision-making has posed significant challenges to their capabilities and empowerment for decades. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of financial inclusion in advancing women’s economic empowerment within the Nigerian context, drawing on data from the 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). The analysis focuses on women’s empowerment in terms of their participation in decision-making related to their own earnings and healthcare. Key financial inclusion variables include the use of mobile money and account ownership. The findings reveal that the odds of women making decisions regarding their earnings and healthcare are approximately 36% and 25% higher, respectively, for those who use mobile phones for financial transactions compared to those who do not. Additionally, women without an account in a …

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Injecting

Disease Conditions and Health Information Needs among Injecting Drug Users: Engendering Research to Policy and Interventions Initiatives

by with No Comment PublicationsResearch

Authors: Chris Chukwunyere Njoku, Judith Ifunanya Ani, Norah Lucky Katende-Kyenda

Publication date: 2024

Background:

Injecting drug use is a global public health challenge with multifaceted consequences, not only for Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) but also for society at large. Their vulnerability necessitates a deeper exploration of their health information needs, aiming to leverage evidence-based research to shape effective interventions for their well-being. Method: This study employed a qualitative method to gain insights into disease conditions and health information needs of IDUs. Through purposive sampling, 71 in-depth interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed. Results: The study included 43 males and 28 females, predominantly aged 26-35 (59.2%) who had poor socioeconomic status. The most commonly reported disease conditions varied and included malaria, infections and diabetes. Findings revealed a complex understanding of their disease conditions and management practices. Participants emphasized a critical need for access to reliable and comprehensive health information, while also highlighting the significant barriers they face in obtaining this information. Additionally, their preference for receiving health information in video formats, written articles, and through outreach programs underscored their desire for knowledge to make informed decisions. As co-creators and stakeholders in their health, participants expressed a clear demand for sustainable and free healthcare, mosquito nets, and regular outreach programs. Conclusions: While drug use presents a significant public health issue, effective interventions for IDUs require a multifaceted approach that begins with understanding their perspectives and actively …

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Unmet Needs for Support: A Study of Older Persons with Disability in Enugu State, Nigeria

by with No Comment PublicationsResearchSocial Impact

Unmet needs for support relate to daily requirements for independent functioning among the elderly but which are unavailable, consequent upon declining informal support and challenges of accessing formal ones. This study explored unmet needs for support, including finance, assistive device, food and healthcare, among older persons with disability in Enugu State Nigeria. Using a multistage sampling and a triangulation of research methods, a total of 1030 older persons were selected for the study. Seven in every ten older persons in the sample (71.0%) had an unmet need. Of all the support received, financial support (79.8%) was the most inadequate. The predominant assistive device was the walking stick (84.9%). Only about four (38.0%) out of ten had three square meals with no recourse to a balanced diet. Of all the unmet felt needs, healthcare/medication (60.2%) was the most predominant followed by financial support. Their physical environment was neither disability-supportive nor ageing-friendly. We conclude that the high percentage of unmet needs among older persons in Enugu State Nigeria is consequent upon the absence of formal social welfare policies and programmes for the elderly. Unfortunately, the elderly would continue to have unmet needs given the declining safety nets traditionally provided by family members vis-à-vis the increasing economic hardship in the society. It is therefore recommended that governments at all levels should formulate and implement social welfare programmes to bridge the needs gap among senior citizens who had spent their vibrant years serving the government and society.

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