USR PUBLISHER

This study observes that empowerment of women is a desideratum for sustainable rural development in Ug-wunagbo LGA, Abia State, Nigeria. This study underscores that women empowerment is the hub and the wheel on which rural development and administrative efficiency rotates. Women play a vital role in the so-cio-economic development of rural communities, yet they often face numerous challenges that hinder their full participation in rural development. Three hypotheses guided the study. The study made use of research design for collecting and analyzing data. The population of the study was one hundred and fifty (150), and data for the study were collected from primary and secondary sources. This study found out among others that marginalization of women is because of the mantra of gender inequality practiced in Ugwunagbo LGA of Abia State, Nigeria due its tradition or custom. It recommends among others that the women of Ug-wunagbo LGA in Abia State, Nigeria should shun class distinction or social stratification. This will help them to share their experiences and be able to tackle the problems facing women. The study therefore, con-cludes that Women empowerment is a critical driver of rural development in Ugwunagbo LGA, Abia State, Nigeria, and policymakers must address the challenges facing women empowerment to achieve sustainable development goals.