International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Gender-balanced leadership is increasingly acknowledged as essential for sustainable development, especially in co-operatives, as it addresses poverty and marginalisation. Despite their potentials, many co-operatives in South-East Nigeria, remain male-dominated, significantly excluding women from decision-making with its attendant implications.
Objective: This study investigated gender-inclusive leadership in co-operatives and the sustainability of community development projects in South-East Nigeria. Focus was on leadership imbalance, with the aim to explore how inclusive-leadership can enhance governance, equity, and the overall success of community-based development initiatives in the region.
Method: This study adopted descriptive survey research design and was carried out in South-East, Nigeria, with a population of 1456 members of 74 selected registered co-operatives, with a sample of 304, determined through Freund and William's statistical formula. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection and validated through content and face validity. Cronbach’s Alpha was used to ascertain the reliability of the instrument and the corresponding reliability coefficient of 0.84 showed that the instrument was reliable. Data were analysed in frequency tables, simple percentages and mean with a 5-point Likert scale, with the hypotheses formulated tested using multiple regression. Results: Females in leadership positions in co-operatives in South-East had significant positive effect on inclusiveness of project beneficiaries and that females’ participation in co-operative decision-making had significant positive effect on project relevance and responsiveness.
Conclusion: Gender-inclusive leadership in co-operatives improves community development by broadening perspectives and addressing diverse needs, especially of marginalized groups. Women’s participation enhances inclusivity, strengthens governance, and promotes social equity, making projects more relevant, responsive, and sustainable for all beneficiaries.
Unique Contribution: The study adds to existing knowledge by showing, through evidence, that female-inclusive leadership in co-operatives improves project inclusiveness, relevance, and responsiveness, an area previously underexplored in research.
Key Recommendation: The study recommends promotion of female leadership in co-operatives through targeted capacity building and leadership training programmes for women and encourage women's participation in decision-making by instituting inclusive policy frameworks and equal representation mandates in South-East