The Role of Income Generating Activities (Igas) In the Economic Empowerment of Returnee Women from the Middle East
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Date
2025-03-01
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
This study examines the role of Income-Generating Activities (IGAs) in promoting the economic empowerment of returnee women from the Middle East, focusing on the "Safe from Irregular Migration" project in Addis Ketema Sub-city, Addis Ababa. To overcome the economic challenges like the lack of jobs and financial dependency of returnee women, IGAs were implemented as a solution. The participants of the quantitative study were all 300 returnee migrants who were engaged in the IGAs program. The researcher used a mixed-method convergent design, the sampling technique for quantitatively used census with a structured questionnaire and analysis done by SPSS descriptive statistics. Purposive sampling was used for qualitative (15 participants) with semi-structured interviews for FGDs and in-depth interviews then analysis done by thematic analysis systematic step. The quantitative finding of this study shows improvement in the financial stability of participants, with 93.7% of respondents reporting income increments after the engagement in the program. According to the study, the qualitative result strengthens the quantitative findings and it shows the role of IGAs on participants` livelihoods. The respondent expressed a change from financial dependence to financial freedom and self-reliance. However, limited access to financial services without collateral, market linkage and lack of continuous capacity-building training were mentioned as the challenges through IGAs process. The study concludes that IGAs are an important tool for fostering the economic reintegration of returnee women. To maximize the impact of such an institution, it recommends strengthening training programs, expanding access to microfinance, and addressing structural barriers.
Keywords: Decision-Making power, Economic Empowerment, Income Generating Activities (IGA),
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Keywords
Decision-Making power, Economic Empowerment, Income Generating Activities (IGA)