Factors Influencing Performance of Women Social Welfare Groups in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Mwitheria Women Group in Central Kenya

Abstract

Traditionally cooperation was a common component where communities formed groups to accomplish goals and also for mutual problem solving.Groups are a source of social satisfaction, source of status and respect, help in reducing boredom and improve employee performance. Women have formed many types of social welfare groups and many belong to more than one cohesive social economic unit. The study seeks to find out the factors that influence performance of social welfare groups formed by women in rural areas. From a population of 100 women belonging to a rural based welfare group, 73% of the population was able to provide the necessary datacollected within a period of two months during their meetings and a follow up in their homes. Since most women are semi literate, they were guided through the structured questions to facilitate adequate data and necessary clarification.From the findings it’s evident that social welfare groups are formed voluntarily (95%) and women derive economic benefits (82.2%) although money generated does not satisfy all their needs as indicated by 98.5%.The welfare groups are satisfied with the leadership (63%) specifically when they achieve the objective for which they are formed. Social groups playa significant role in psychological satisfaction where through synergetic effect it’s possible to cope with stressful situations.Social groups also help the government achieve its objective of uplifting the disadvantaged in the communities. The government assists these social welfare groups (98.6%) and this support should continue. Working in groups in rural areas leads to community cultural integration (98.6%), cohesion and is beneficial psychologically and economically hence their formation should be encouraged and monitored. It’s evident therefore that economic and social factors greatly influence formation of social welfare groups in rural areas. The government has to play a facilitating role of ensuring that social welfare groups are formed, operate within the legal framework and are able to meet their objective and attain overall community development. The government can also apply the tools of community development to improve economic security of its people by unifying business principles with social ventures.