| Abstract: | This study reviewed the role of self-help groups in creating livelihood options and
women’s empowerment and assessed if self-help groups could contribute to household wellbeing
of the self-help group members. The study considered women’s engagement in individual
and group development; decision making at different levels; women’s participation in outdoor
activities as an indicator of their empowerment.
The study was conducted in Southern Nation Nationalities Regional State (SNNPRS),
Hadiya Zone, Hossana town. Hossana, the capital city of Hadiya Zone. The research was
descriptive in that it studied the relationship among the variables such as age group, source and
size of income, level of education, family size, etc. Both qualitative and quantitative data were
used to assess the impact of the self-help groups. Hence the researcher employed mixed methods
research design.
The quantitative method employed in this study statistical expressed in frequencies and
percentages; and they were used to give explanations on the socioeconomic characteristics of the
study subjects. The researcher also used qualitative approach to investigate detailed information
about the participants’ opinion and feelings.
The SHGs in CHSFS enabled women to grow their savings and to access loans from the
group savings. SHGs served to the group members as community platforms from which group
members/women became active in village affairs, stand for local election or took action to
address social or community issues like the abuse of women, schools and other community
development activities. |
