the contribution of women associations to the socio-economic empowerment of members: a case of the national association of women’s organizations in uganda (nawou), katabi town council, wakiso district

Description

The study assessed the contribution of NAWOU tothe Socio-economic empowerment of members in Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District. The study aimed at showing that self-help groups play a role in improving the livelihood of women. The study was guided by the following objectives: (i) To examine NAWOU’s activities in the area of socio-economic empowerment of women; (ii) To establish the effect of NAWOU’s activities on household incomes of members; (iii) To determine the challenges faced by NAWOU in the process of trying to empower women. A case study research design was adopted and both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis were used. Primary data was analyzed using SPSS program version 18, and reveal significance of variables at P<0.05. The study used a total population of 60 and a sample of 52 respondents was selected using Slovin’s formula (1967) n = N / (1 + Ne2). The study findings revealed that; NAWOU provides entrepreneurship trainings for women to encourage self-employment, and provides relevant information on available economic opportunities to members. It was however noted that most women still lack skills and knowledge to manage businesses due to limited education, training and limited credit accessibility. There is significant lack of capital, markets, and poor quality products and services provided have contributed to women’s low income levels. The study also revealed that NAWOU has encourage savings among women in order to protect their future. However NAWOU has also supported women through credit extension and trained on better farming techniques so as to improved family food productions. The study also found out that, husbands remove money borrow from the women, which affected loan repayment schedules. It was noted women had limited control on their earnings because such earnings acted as substitutes for husbands activities. The study recommended that, for effective women empowerment; NAWOU should increase on the skills trainings offered so as such services reach more women. There is need to provided mentoring on the power of education and political status so as more women are encouraged in knowledge acquirement and become able to make informed decisions. NAWOU needs to offer professional financial advice to reduce on loan mismanagement, supervision and oversight on internal controls on resultant women businesses. Savings should be emphasized to encourage women to set aside a portion of their earnings for the purpose of checking on future uncertainties.