Nigerian Journal Sustainability Research

Publications

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): Building Resilience: Perspectives on Sustainability

Female Labour Force Participation and Household Welfare Outcomes in Ikeja LGA, Lagos State

Submitted
January 18, 2026
Published
2026-01-26

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of female labour force participation (FLFP) on household welfare outcomes in Ikeja LGA, Lagos State. The aim was to explore how various socio-economic factors, including employment status, education level, income, credit access, and household dynamics, influence welfare improvements at the household level. A Binary Logistic Regression Model, developed by Jensen (2017), was adopted for the analysis, utilizing primary data collected through a structured questionnaire targeting women aged 18-65 years. The theoretical framework was based on Human Capital Theory, Gender and Development (GAD) Theory, and the Capability Approach. The findings revealed that FLFP has a significant positive effect on household welfare, with formal employment, education, and income being key determinants of welfare improvement. However, education's impact was more modest than expected, and larger household sizes were found to negatively affect welfare outcomes. The study concluded that while female labour force participation drives welfare improvement, the socio-economic context, such as access to quality education, formal job opportunities, and household size, plays a crucial role in shaping these outcomes. Therefore, the study recommended that policies focus on enhancing formal employment opportunities, expanding access to credit, improving education and vocational training, addressing household size issues, and implementing gender-sensitive social protection policies to further support women’s economic empowerment and household welfare.

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