Women Organizations and Community Development: A Case Study of Emu Christian Women Association (ECWA)

Christian women associations in the 21st century are leading hundreds of community development programmes in line with the social gospel. Inherent in their style is their dedication in getting residents of their communities, Christians and non-Christians, to have a voice in the institutions and policies that affect them. Building on Putnam (1993) thesis which states that civic actions require the existence of social capital which he defines as “norms, trust and networks”, this study explores the networks and norms that enable participants, especially Emu Christian Women Association in community development to act together efficiently to pursue shared objectives. The study observes that Christian women organizations contribute differentially to the development of social capital by increasing community participation and trust, and, by creating community networks and civic actions, they represent a model for community development efforts. The insight of the roles of Emu Christian Women Association in community development is reflected in our recommendations. These recommendations are offered for all who have the power to create and sustain community changes including, churches, funders, intermediaries, government agencies, educational institutions, Christian and non-Christian women’s organizations and CDOs in the twenty-first century Nigeria.