Women participation in decision-making process at their communities: The case of Movemero District in Morogoro Region and Bahi District in Dodoma Region

Abstract

The study to assess women participation in decision making process at grassroots levels was conducted in Mvomero District in Morogoro  Region and Bahi District in Dodoma Region. The overall objective of the study was to assess the extent to which women are involved in  the decision-making process related to socio-economic development in their communities. Data was collected from 80 women  respondents using questionnaire, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. All respondents indicated that they sometimes participate in decision-making process since they are represented in various development committees such as schools, health, water etc.  However, their proportion in relation to that of men was less than one-third. These findings indicate that women will not have a voice in  decision-making process due to their limited number, particularly when it comes to voting. The study further found that their attendance  was irregular in meetings to discuss developmental issues mostly due to lack of time as a result of heavy workload at home and meetings  being called at inconvenient time. It is concluded that women are not active in decision-making process at grassroots level in  the two districts. It is further concluded that what made them to be in that position was their low education, ignorance and low status.  The study recommends that men at grassroots levels be sensitized to support women in their endeavour to empower themselves by  shouldering part of the workload currently carried by women. It is further recommended that women be encouraged to form small   business groups.