Abstract

The study investigated the role of cooperative Societies in promoting gender equality in rural areas in Aguata L.G.A of Anambra State, Nigeria. Three research questions guided the study and two hypotheses were tested. The study adopted the survey research design. The population of the study comprised 2000 registered cooperative societies in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. The sample size of the study is 117 members of cooperative societies. The instruments of data collection that was employed in this research was structured questionnaire. Mean, correlation statistics and linear regression was used to analyze data for the study. Findings of the study revealed that extension services has a significant influence on decision-making in Aguata L.G.A, Anambra State. Findings further showed that extension services has a significant role in mitigating gender-based violence against women. Based on these findings, the researcher recommended among others that Cooperative members, local NGOs, agricultural extension services should establish clear governance structures and decision-making processes by building capacity of leaders and members through training and mentorship.