Abstract

The study determined the level of girl-child empowerment. Data was collected from 182 respondents and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Triangulation method was also used to facilitate validation of data through cross verification from two sources (household heads and girl-children). Findings from the study show that of the three empowerment components, the girl-children have more access to resources than they have over decision making on these resources and the least is control over these resources. Unwanted pregnancy (=1.66), early childhood marriage (=1.55) and preference given to the boy-child than the girl-child (=1.45), were severe constraints to girl-child empowerment. School type (ß=-0.286, p≤0.013), school level (ß= 0.429, p≤0.00) and constraints (ß= 0.233, p≤0.00) to girl-child empowerment were predictors of the level of girl-child empowerment in the study area. Hence, based on the empowerment components, the study established that the girl-children in the study area had moderate level of empowerment however from the household heads’ perspective, the girl-children had a low level of empowerment. The above constraints could possibly have translated into low-moderate empowerment level of the girl-children. By implication, to realize girl-child rights and empowerment and also attainment of most of the Sustainable Development Goals, girls and by extension women must be shielded from these constraints. To achieve gender equality, improve nutrition, promote health, fight HIV/AIDS, reduce poverty and achieve higher economic productivity, sustainable cities and communities, the girl-child empowerment is crucial.

Key Words: Girl-child, Empowerment level and Rural households