This study assessed the effect of gender-based discriminatory practices on poverty reduction and women empowerment in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria One hundred and twenty (120) female respondents were randomly selected from twelve communities, ten respondents from each of the twelve communities. Questionnaire were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, percentage and mean. The results showed that most of the respondents were 51-60years of age and majority of the women were married and mostly secondary school leavers who had farming as their major occupation. The result showed that women are being discriminated upon in decision making, education, inheritance (land), in employment and some of these discriminations are caused by cultural and religious laws which restrict women from fully utilizing their potentials. The result also showed that discrimination of women leads to increased poverty level and psychological effect such as low self esteem and lack of confidence, subsequently affecting poverty reduction and women empowerment negatively. Based on the major findings, the following recommendations were made. Cultural and religious laws should be restructured to suit modern day society, equal educational opportunities should be provided to women, and skill training facilities should be provided to empower women. Also, Government should formulate policies that allows for equal right in inheritance especially land. Women should be given equal right and power in decision making, equal opportunities for women to participate in Various Societal Activities.
Keywords: Discrimination, Education, Empowerment, Gender, Poverty
