An Assessment of Factors Influencing Women Participation in Governance and Management of Saccos in Nebbi District: A Case Study of Selected Saccos from Jonam County.

Abstract

ONENCHAN GABRIEL .P. (2010-M093-10038) An Assessment of Factors Influencing Women Participation in Governance and Management of Saccos in Nebbi District: A Case Study of Selected Saccos from Jonam County. This research presents the findings of the study which was conducted on “Assessment of factors influencing the involvement and participation of women in governance and management SACCOs in Nebbi district”: A case study of two selected SACCOs from Jonam County. The objective of the study was to assess the level of women participation in Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs). The specific objectives were: to find out the policy frameworks, political and legal factors, and socio-economic factors influencing or contributing to women‟s participation in governance and management of SACCOs. The study used a case study design and both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. The sample size was 178 that included ordinary SACCO members, group leaders representing their various groups, and SACCO board members and Management staff. The major methods of data collection were questionnaires, interviews and observations. The data collected were analysed by the researcher to establish whether the responses addressed the research objectives indicated in the study. The major findings of the study included factors influencing active participation of women in SACCOS. It was observed that women participate more in groups than as individuals because of the free atmosphere of expression, confidence building, self-actualisation and freedom to enjoy rights without duress. Many women have practiced leadership through group dynamics: for instance, involving every member and giving equal opportunities to participate in decision making and exercise voting rights. However, the study found out that individual women in Panyango SACCO and Pakwach Nam SACCO have competed neck to neck with their male counterparts for leadership positions. For instance, the Chairpersons of both SACCOs are led by women; Panyango SACCO is managed currently by a female manager, the accountant of Pakwach Nam SACCO is a female. The study concluded that social networks and women forums for lobby and advocacy are important avenues of creating awareness and enlightenment for the females in joining SACCOs. The study recommends that more training be carried in formation of more groups in encouraging group dynamics and strengthening group solidarity in uniting women to address their cause appropriately. From the economic perspective, the savings culture should be promoted for future investment, and product development interventions would lead to expansion in the female members‟ absorption capacity so that they grow out the domestic businesses. Key Words: Influence, Women Participation, Governance and Management, Saccos, Nebbi District