One of the developmental challenges facing African countries is the underrepresentation of women in all sectors of development of the society. The study examined Non-governmental Organizations and the socioeconomic development of women in Benue State. As a result, the study explores the socioeconomic development of women focusing on access to education, health, and income, as well as the challenges affecting the NGOs, and the ways to curb these challenges.

The study adopted Modernization theory as a theoretical guide. A cross-sectional survey research design was used to generate data to address the research objectives as well as test the hypotheses. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were combined in the study. A sample size of four hundred (400) respondents was selected through multistage sampling.

Findings from the study revealed that the contribution of NGOs in the area of access to education include: scholarships, school supplies (books, uniforms), adult literacy classes, vocational training, awareness campaigns for girls’ education, and school enrollment support, among others. Contributions of NGOs to women’s access to healthcare and well-being include: maternal health services, HIV/AIDS or STI testing and treatment, family planning, mental health support, health education, health outreaches/campaigns, establishment of clinics, and awareness on hygiene and sanitation, among others. Contributions of NGOs to women’s access to income include: vocational skills training, start-up capital or loans, business development training, equipment or materials, cooperative group support, and market access support, among others.

The study recommended that NGOs should expand scholarship schemes and school supply programs to reach more underserved communities, particularly rural girls and adult women who missed formal education. NGOs should scale up maternal health services, mental health support, and reproductive health education. NGOs should strengthen and replicate vocational training and skills acquisition programs, with follow-up support, among others.