Women's empowerment and participation in development process. A case of Karagwe District-Tanzania

Abstract

The research study aims at finding out the challenges facing women's participation in development processes. The study population were women and men working with NGOs that initiates development activities, churches, schools, women group leaders and government institutions. Combinations of three methods, which included questionnaires, direct observations and focus group discussions, were used to identify the challenges facing women participation in development. Presentations of the data were done through use of Frequency tables, pie- charts and graphs. The analysis findings confirmed that; demanding family responsibilities, culture and traditions perceptions, gender stereotypes, limited access to resources and lack of husband or male relative permission highly contributed to women's not participating in development activities. It was noted from the findings that many women do not attend meetings, seminars and workshops. Women also are not holding key positions in decision -making levels. The study recommended that, for women to be empowered and participate effectively in the development process, gender responsive policies should be - .,' Iimplemented. Gender stereotypes and hafmful cultural practices should be done away with. Awareness should be created in the whole society through seminars, trainings, conferences and publications about the importance of women empowerment and participation in development processes