Potential of Cooperatives in Empowering the Rural Women. The case of Chell ala Rural Saving and Credit Cooperative Union, Sidama Zone, SNNPR
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Date
2010-06
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Addis Ababa Univerisity
Abstract
Women empowerment, as a policy approach, uses different mechanisms to empower
women; out of wh ich organizing women into cooperatives is attracting the attention of
many organizations. Thus the study aimed at investigating the roles of cooperati ves III
empowenng women.
For the study, four primary soc ieties from the members of Challe la Rural Sav ing and
Credit Cooperative Union were selected. Among thcse 10% of the households were
selected for the survey. In addition, FGDs and key informant interviews werc also used to
collect the necessary data.
The fi ndings of the study indicated that cooperatives provide saving and crcdit services
that enable the women to start income generating activities. As a result, women's average
yearly income is increased. Moreover, they own different assets like house, grain mi ll,
farm cquipments and different types of li vestock. In addition, their access to information,
food , health and education has improved. However, low participation of women, lack of
proper coordination and training are the major challenges in the cooperati ves.
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Empowering the Rural Women