Assessment of the Socio-economic Opportunities, Challenges and Coping Mechanisms of Female Headed Households: The Case of Female Headed Households in Nefas Silk Lafto Sub-city, Addis Ababa
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2019-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The general objective of the study is to assess the socio-economic opportunities, challenges, and coping strategies of female headed households in Nefas Selk Lafto Sub-city. Data were gathered through in-depth interview, focus group discussion, and observation supplemented by other secondary sources for literature purpose. Qualitative research method guides the overall study. Ten participants were interviewed, and data were gathered at one point in time. Intrinsic case study was employed, and participants were selected using convenience sampling technique. Theories that the study utilizes are Marxist feminist, structural functionalism, human capital, and the restricted opportunity theory. The findings of the study are clear indicators for the dominance of poverty among FHHs. The inability to meet the basic needs of family members including a better housing and education is one of the indictor for the existence poverty in these households. Low educational and occupational background are identified as the main reasons behind the economic difficutiles of FHHs. Limited social relationship with communities is the main reason for the social challenges female heads face which has a huge negative impact on their participation in social affairs. Discrimination, isolation and verbal harassment were found to be the most common social challenges of female headed households.
Social networks and community supports are found to be the common coping mechanisms adopted by FHHs. Female heads also use the support from governmental and nongovernmental organizations to cope up with the exsting problems. Since women constitute half of the population, understanding their livelihood is essential. Therefore, understanding the socio-economic challenges of female headed households is found to be vital for the better development of a country, and the findings of this study are also important for social work interventions.
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The Socio-economic Opportunities, Challenges and Coping Mechanisms of Female Headed Households: The Case of Female Headed Households in Nefas Silk Lafto Sub-city, Addis Ababa By: Yosan