Women empowerment in socio-economic development in Tanzania: a case of the ministry of women, gender and development
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Date
2010-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kampala International University. College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess how the various forms of
women empowerment (access to education, access to health care,
political participation, economic empowerment, access to information)
could enhance socio-economic development in Tanzania. The study
was based on three objectives, i.e., to examine the various forms of
women empowerment existing in Tanzania, to establish the
relationship between women's empowerment and socio-economic
development and to identify the constraining factors facing women in
socio-economic activities. The research design adopted in this study was a case study research
design because it excelled at bringing the researcher to an
understanding of complex issues or objects and extended experience
or added strength to what was already known through previous
research. Case studies emphasize detailed contextual analysis of a
limited number of events or conditions and their relationships. This
study took a sample of 90 respondents of which 70 were employees
from the MWG&D and 20 were selected from various NGOs dealing
with activities of women. According to the findings of the study, the forms of women
empowerment included; education of the girl child, Women access to
information, Women inclusion and participation in politics, provision of
health services, access to income and participation in income generating activities. The study indicated that despite the empowerment efforts in Tanzania, the majority of the respondents indicated that women had no access to improved incomes, access to education, health and political decisions. Women also had less access to information, access to economic activities and generally, they did not have improved standard of living. Constraining factors facing women in socio-economical activities included high corruption levels, cultural rigidities, inferiority among women, inappropriate government policies, and high illiteracy rate among women. It was recommended
that priority must be given to monitoring the status, conditions and
rights of women. There must be a sustained campaign for women's
mobilization, regular reporting of monitoring, public information and
advocacy in this realm. In addition, income generating activities must
be suitable and realistic. Proper targeting is essential, in order that
loans are given to those capable of paying them back.
Description
A Thesis Presented to the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research Kampala International University Kampala, Uganda In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management
Keywords
Women empowerment, Socio-economic development