ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL STATUS OF MEMBERS OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROJECT: THE CASE OF CARE-ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This study assessed the economic and social status of members of women entrepreneurship project which is being implemented by CARE in three sub-cities of Addis Ababa. It identified the most effective supports in economically empowering low-income women and challenges faced by CARE when implementing the project. The population of the study is 500 and a sample of 285 women who are located in three sub-cities and five woredas were taken for the study by using systematic random sampling. In addition, a key informant interview was administered to key stakeholders and staffs of the project. A questionnaire and key informant interview guideline were prepared and used to answer the questions that were raised by the research. After data collection, the analysis was done by using descriptive and content data analysis technique. The results of the study indicates that the targeted business women have an improved economic and social status in terms of their business practices, which is reflected in improved and increased productivity, increased income, improved saving and improved business management in terms of leadership capacities and autonomy in decision making . Effective learning, engagement of men and the community, financial literacy and the village saving and lending association approach were the most effective methods in empowering low-income women. Hindrance in linking women to the formal financial institutions, less coordination and commitment among the project stakeholders and lower access to information and communications technology for market linkage were the major challenges encountered by CARE when implementing the project. Based on the findings, recommendations were forwarded to the concerned bodies.