The Link between Participation, Leadership, Social Capital and Personal Psychology with Economic Empowerment among Women Smallholder Groups in Malaysia

Fauziah Binti Ani

doi:10.17762/turcomat.v12i2.930

Abstract

Many developing countries turn to women groups as a way to empower women of similar socioeconomic backgrounds. In this regard, this research was conducted to study the relationship between the level of participation, leadership, social capital, personal psychology and economic empowerment among members of women smallholder groups. A total of 433 members of women smallholder groups involved in economic development activities were selected from four Peninsular Malaysia states covering four regions: south, east, west, and north. Through utilizing questionnaires, the results of this analysis were obtained and analysed with the Pearson Product Moment Correlation -SPSS. The findings show that these four independent variables are related moderately and highly to economic empowerment. Based on the study findings, it is possible to improve the economic empowerment of women smallholder groups by paying attention to those four variables.

Highlights

Female economic empowerment is a process for women to achieve access and control over their own economic source, and ensure they can be used to improve their control over other aspects of their lives
The correlation analysis findings show a positive and strong relationship between internal psychology and empowerment with the economy (r = .688, p < .05), a strong and significant relationship with participation (r = .529, p < 0.5), and leadership (r = .525, p < 0.5). It has a moderate and significant relationship between close ties and economic empowerment (r = .440, p < 0.5). the findings show sociological factors covering participation, leadership, and social capital, and internal psychological factors have a significant relationship with the economic empowerment of PWPK members, and support previous studies
There is a high and positive relationship between participation in micro-credit economic activities and the socio-economic situation in Cairo (Nader, 2008). Their capability in income, savings, and assets are obtainable through active participation, good community leadership, strong social capital, and stable internal psychology. ii

Summary

Introduction

Female economic empowerment is a process for women to achieve access and control over their own economic source, and ensure they can be used to improve their control over other aspects of their lives. This goal is the basic global priority based on its potential contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Taylor and Pereznieto, 2014). The United Nations (UN) and most developing countries target women as requiring empowerment via development activities This group require help to reduce poverty rates in rural areas, and provide opportunities for them to exercise control over their own lives (Moyle, Dollard & Biswas, 2006).

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Conclusion