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Gender equality and empowered women in particular are catalysis for multiplying development efforts. While gender inequality is a universal phenomenon, and aspects of gender inequality exist in all countries, it manifests itself differently in each context, and is caused by a multiplicity of factors. Although, some policies have been developed and substantial resources invested to strengthen women contribution to the Nigerian economy, a holistic approach to the social and economic empowerment of women is yet to be articulated by both the federal and state governments in Nigeria. In Nigeria lack of solid evidence on gender and development with respect to what works and what does not work to remove barriers in different socio-economic context hampers efforts to enhance women’s social and economic lives and to improve their social and economic potentials. We need to also understand better how growth might be harnessed to close persistent gender gaps in opportunities, earnings, assets, and productivity.  Furthermore, we need to examine these issues I different cultural and geo-political zones in Nigeria. CPED’s research program will focus on women’s social and economic empowerment- at home, in labour markets, entrepreneurship and the care economy- and the patterns of economic growth that benefit women’s economic empowerment in different low income contexts. CPED’s research will address key evidence and new and cutting edges knowledge gaps through the generation of rigorous empirical evidence and new and cutting edge knowledge that can better inform policies, and practices that can promote positive change, and allow policy makers to formulate more effective ways of addressing these barriers. The research programme aims to increase Nigerian policies and programs that improve economic opportunities and outcomes for poor women especially in remote communities, which in turn can facilitate the enhanced uptake of such policies and programmes. A number of pilot/intervention activities will be carried out in collaboration with partners in localities where research is carried out.