The Successes and Challenges of Self Help Groups /SHGs/ in Addis Ababa: The Case of “Addis Zemen” SHG in Wereda 6 and 7, Addis Ketema Sub-City

Abstract

This study was conducted in Addis Ababa, Addis Ketema sub-city, Woreda six and seven on Addis Zemen Self Help Group (SHG), which is run by women. The objectives to undertake the study lie in examining the historical background, ultimate goals, rules and regulations, major achievements, and challenges of the Self Help Group. The study further aims at suggesting possible recommendations to enhance the overall activities of the Self Help Group towards improving the living conditions of beneficiaries and realize their economic, social, and political empowerment. In undertaking this study, a qualitative method was employed as it was appropriate to examine the experiences of members of the SHG. The instruments of data collection thus, include: key informant interviews, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and moderate observation. Self Help Groups in Ethiopia are recent in origin. They particularly target resource constrained female-headed households and have tremendous contributions to concerted efforts in reducing poverty and empowering women. Findings of this study reveal that Addis Zemen SHG was established with twenty poor women, and three street beggar women as members. It also includes destitute children in program packages. In selecting beneficiaries, the SHG considers the age, sex, and poverty level of the local people. Other selection criteria include: residence in the same area, and mutual interests of eligible applicants. The SHG has a byelaw, which serves as a working document providing sets of rules and regulations that members should abide by in performing their activities. The major achievements of Addis Zemen SHG are the economic and social benefits it brought to its members. It also has relative political benefits. In economic terms, members of the SHG have access to saving and credit facilities and can receive business skills trainings from the association in order to run small businesses of their own. Each member has 1,500. 00birr saved in a bank and 5,00.00 birr security fund that can be used for the urgent needs of families of the SHG members. The economic achievements of beneficiary women have also impacts on the social benefits they acquired. Hence, the women are able to exercise effective power in household decision making, and have access to and control over resources. This can be considered an important aspect of their social empowerment. Along with this, the social benefits of the SHG to the beneficiaries include: increasing social interactions among members, developing self-esteem, winning respect from the surrounding community, and actively participating in community services. Members of the SHG also have some political benefits that are manifested in ways the women developed their skills to express their opinions in public meetings, participate actively in civic associations, and so on. Despite the multifaceted achievements gained by the SHG, it is visible that it also has encountered challenges such as administrative pitfalls in recognizing the legal status of the SHG, and reluctance to facilitate good working environment for beneficiary members.