Challenges Facing Rural Women in Accessing Economic Empowerment Opportunities in Tanzania

Abstract

This paper examines the challenges faced by women in accessing economic empowerment opportunities in Kahama Municipal, Shinyanga Region of Tanzania. Specifically, the study identifies the challenges facing rural women in accessing economic empowerment opportunities. The study used purposive sampling and randomly selected one hundred and twenty (120) respondents. Data collection was done through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Data was analyzed using content analysis. Findings indicate that financial empowerment services for rural women are severely limited by inadequate infrastructure, lack of knowledge, and financial constraints, hindering their economic progress. The fragmented nature of empowerment organizations also lead to unequal distribution of opportunities for rural women. The absence of specific legislation addressing women's economic empowerment further exacerbates the challenges faced by rural women. This study concludes that the lack of financial empowerment among women in rural areas poses a significant challenge, resulting in poverty, insufficient income, and impeding progress for both women and the nation. The absence of a law addressing empowerment issues has hindered efforts to achieve gender equality in supporting women in rural areas. This study suggests that the government, particularly the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and People with Special Needs, and the National Economic Empowerment Council (NEEC), should collaborate with women's forums, Civil Society Organizations, women's organizations and private sectors supporting women to develop the Tanzania Inclusive Women Economic Empowerment Model (TIWEEM). This model aims to promote economic empowerment and gender equality for women in urban and rural areas under a unified government framework. Additionally, the establishment of an Economic Empowerment Law (EEL) specifically for women is recommended to provide clear operational guidance on women's economic empowerment in the country