DOCSLIB.ORG

The Role of Cooperatives in Promoting Socio-Economic Empowerment of Women: Evidence from Multipurpose Cooperative Societies in South-Eastern Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Role of Cooperatives in Promoting Socio-Economic Empowerment of Women: Evidence from Multipurpose Cooperative Societies in South-Eastern Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia International Journal of Community Development Vol. 1, No. 1, 2013, 1-11 DOI: 10.11634/233028791301325 The Role of Cooperatives in Promoting Socio-Economic Empowerment of Women: Evidence from Multipurpose Cooperative Societies in South-Eastern Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia Aregawi Tesfay and Haileslasie Tadele Department of Cooperative Studies, College of Business and Economics, Mekelle University In developing countries, among the poor, rural women are the poorest and more vulnerable. Cooperatives can be used as breeding grounds for socio-economic empowerment of women. To this light, the major concern of this study is to analyze and assess the role of cooperatives in promoting socio-economic empowerment of women. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used for this study. Primary data were collected through interviews, questionnaires and focus group discussions and secondary data were collected from internal documents of the cooperatives. Out of the target group 75 multipurpose cooperative societies (MPCs), the researchers purposively selected MPCs established before 2005. Out of the selected target group MPCs, 25% were randomly selected and 30% of women members were also selected randomly. Nevertheless, the collected data is analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results of the study indicated that women participation in cooperatives is very limited. More than 80% of the respondents are involved in farm activity and only 5% are engaged in paid work. 90% of the respondents have joined their cooperatives to access financial sources and improve their bargaining power. Nevertheless, the results reveal that women members have improved their income, livestock holdings, autonomous decision making and spending power after joining their cooperatives, but, its regularity is limited. Participation in important affairs and management positions of their cooperatives level and access to training of the women members is still limited and hence governmental and non-governmental organizations need to consider gender equality in their cooperative members’ capacity building programs. Keywords: Cooperatives, women, participation, socio-economic empowerment Introduction development relates to the division of labor between the sexes (Prakash, 2002). Promoting women’s empowerment is essential Cooperatives can be used as breeding grounds to because in most cases women are responsible for empower women by enhancing their specific their children and for their family, thus empowering knowledge and capacities. The government of Ethiopia women is empowering the society in large(world recognizes and supports multi-purpose cooperatives to bank, 2001).The global statistics show that Women actively participate in the development process are in charge of 60-80 percent of the world’s work, towards employment and women empowerment. and produce 50 percent of the food. Despite the fact 7% of African population is involved in that their contribution is significant, they have limited cooperative business. Despite of the advantages of the economic advantage and access to productive model, women participation in the economy and resources (Lawless et al., 1996; Mayoux, 2009). leadership position is very low. Women membership History has shown a number of approaches to accounts less than 30% and their participation development have been employed to solve the socio- declines for upper positions (Majurin, 2012). It is not economic ills of the third world. However, these an exception to Ethiopia, where women represent approaches failed to achieve their goals partly only 18% of cooperative membership (Emana, 2008). because they completely ignored women and their There are many factors which limit women’s contribution to the efforts of development (Easter, participation in cooperatives among them limited 1999). Throughout history and in many societies, access and control over productive assets are highly inequalities of women and men were part and parcel pronounced (Desta, 1999; Habtamu et al., 2004 & of an accepted male-dominated culture. One of the Majurin, 2012). Thus, gender inequality brings a basic factors causing unequal share of women in burden on women and women are adversely affected by poverty. ISSN 2330-2879 Print/ 2330-2887 Online/ World Scholars http://www.worldscholars.org International Journal of Community Development 2 Although the problem of gender inequality is a ‘women empowerment’ has become popular in the universal phenomenon, it is highly pronounced in development field since 1980s. It is vividly developing countries like Ethiopia. The structure of recognized that women empowerment is essential for the Ethiopian society, Tigray in particular is highly sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction patriarchal in nature where it is characterized by male in developing countries. Women empowerment is domination in all spheres. To this fact, government defined differently by different scholars. Mayoux and non-government organizations are actively (2005) and Mosedale (2005) define women working to promote women empowerment. However, empowerment as a mechanism where women become the male hegemony has not yet changed. strong through increasing their confidence to make This study, thus, deal with the role of appropriate choice and control over resources. cooperatives in promoting socio-economic Naryaan (2002) on the other hand define women empowerment of women in south eastern zone, empowerment as increasing control and ownership of Tigray region, Ethiopia with specific objectives to assets to influence and bargain over any decision that identify women’s economic participation in affects their lives. cooperatives, and to assess the role of cooperatives in Although women empowerment is not a social empowerment of women. The paper is sufficient condition, it is still a necessary condition organized in to five sections. The second section for development process. Thus, women empowerment composes review of related literature; the third has three dimensions. Social dimension signifies section describes the research methodology used, the respectable and non discriminatory positioning in the Fourth section deals with analysis and discussion of society. Political dimension signifies involvement in the results and the fifth section is a summary and the governance of organization and administrative conclusion of the results. positions, and economic empowerment is enabling women members to have equal in employment, spending, ownership of production means and sharing Literature Review Concepts and Meaning of benefits (Prakash, 2002). Cooperatives The philosophy of cooperation is evolved around 18th Cooperatives in Promoting Social Empowerment century in Europe with the notion of protecting of Women economically poor people from the exploitation of economically powerful (Subburaj, 2003). Co- Although cooperation is viewed as an organization operatives are democratically owned and governed for the promotion of economic interests of its enterprises guided by the values of self-help, self- members, it does not confine itself only to the responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and economic aspect. It also permeates the social aspect solidarity. They put people at the heart of their of life and aims at establishing a new democratic activities and allow members to participate in the social order based on freedom and equality, where decision-making (Kimberly & Robert, 2004). people live in harmony, caring and sharing like a Cooperatives generate considerable socio-economic family, where there is a unity of spirit and common benefits to their members. From the economic stand economic bond (Karunakran, 2004; Warman & point, cooperatives improve income and bargaining Kennedy, 1998). Cooperatives have a role to play in power of their members. While the social purposes of alleviating different shocks, and paving the way cooperation are more diverse than economic towards recovery that is socially and economically purposes. They provide a unique opportunity to sound and sustainable. Ultimately, cooperatives can members to education and training; encourage active create a safe environment where women increase participation in meetings, committee membership and their self‐confidence, identify their own challenges, leadership positions (Majurin, 2012). make decisions and manage risks. As a result, women are empowered and become active agents of change, entrepreneurs and promoters of social transformation Concepts of Women Empowerment who can improve their own lives and those of the community. Majurin (2012) revealed that Most women in developing countries do not have cooperatives are also effective points of entry for access to education, productive resources and other addressing a broad range of gender equality issues services. Such discrimination hampers them not to such as unpaid work, shared responsibilities and earn incomes and not to actively participate in gender-based violence. socioeconomic and political conditions (Kebeer, A study by Gita (1993) depicted that 57.7% of 1999). In order to solve the problem, women women in cooperatives take initiatives to organize empowerment becomes a global agenda. The term 3 A. Tesfay and H. Tadele cultural programs in their community as against only in subsistence agriculture and unpaid farm work. The 10.7% of women in unorganized sector. Cooperatives cooperative and self-help model can change this by have been successful in not only increasing social enabling women and men farmers, or women only, to participation of women
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Empowerment of African Women Through Participation in Agricultural
    Economic Empowerment of African Women through Equitable Participation in Agricultural Value Chains Rights and permissions All rights reserved. The information in this publication may be reproduced provided the source is acknowledged. Reproduction of the publication or any part thereof for commercial purposes is forbidden. The views expressed in this paper are entirely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the view of the African Development Bank, its Board of Directors, or the countries they represent. Copyright © African Development Bank 2015 African Development Bank Immeuble du Centre de commerce International d’Abidjan CCIA Avenue Jean-Paul II 01 BP 1387 Abidjan 01, Côte d’Ivoire Tel.: (+225) 20 26 10 20 Email: [email protected] Website: www.afdb.org Economic Empowerment of African Women through Equitable Participation in Agricultural Value Chains Foreword i REFLECTIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT This has been a most exciting decade for the African continent. When I look back, it has been a privilege to lead the AfDB during such a dynamic time. For me personally, I am particularly proud of the strategic choices the Bank made to support and accelerate the new momentum. I would like to focus today on the exciting potential for the future, embodied in this report. In implementing its Ten Year Strategy, the Bank will pay particular attention to gender, agriculture and food Donald Kaberuka security to achieve the overall objectives of inclusive growth. We have made significant strides but it is time for a radical step change. President (2005 to 2015), African Development This report sets the ground to empower women to take a leading role Bank Group in the business of farming and agricultural value chains regionally and globally and agro-processing through investment, business funding and providing support programs.
    [Show full text]
  • Bibliography of Cooperatives and Cooperative Development
    Bibliography of Cooperatives and Cooperative Development Compiled by the following Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs personnel: Original, 1999 Christopher D. Merrett, PhD, IIRA director and professor Norman Walzer, PhD, professor of Economics and IIRA director emeritus Update, 2007 Cynthia Struthers, PhD, associate professor, Housing/Rural Sociology Program Erin Orwig, MBA, faculty assistant, Value-Added Rural Development/Cooperative Development Roger Brown, MBA, manager, Value-Added Rural Development/Cooperative Development Mathew Zullo, graduate assistant Ryan Light, graduate assistant Jeffrey Nemeth, graduate assistant S. Robert Wood, graduate assistant Update, 2012 Kara Garten, graduate assistant John Ceglarek, graduate assistant Tristan Honn, research assistant Published by Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs Stipes Hall 518 Western Illinois University 1 University Circle Macomb, IL 61455-1390 [email protected] www.IIRA.org This publication is available from IIRA in print and on the IIRA website. Quoting from these materials for noncommercial purposes is permitted provided proper credit is given. First Printing: September 1999 Second Printing: September 2007 Third Printing: June 2012 Printed on recycled paper Table of Contents I. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................1 II. Theory and History of Cooperatives ....................................................................................................3 III. Governance,
    [Show full text]
  • Assessement of Women Savings and Credit Cooperative Services in Zuway Dugda District, South - East Ethiopia
    ASSESSEMENT OF WOMEN SAVINGS AND CREDIT COOPERATIVE SERVICES IN ZUWAY DUGDA DISTRICT, SOUTH - EAST ETHIOPIA MSW DISSERTATION PROJECT RESEARCH (MSWP_ 001) PREPARED BY MOSISSA KEJIELLA MEGERSSA (109100808) PROJECT SUPERVISOR SEBSIB BELAY (MR) INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK MAY, 2013 ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA ASSESSMENT OF WOMEN SAVINGS AND CREDIT COOPERATIVE SERVICES IN ZUWAY DUGDA DISTRICT, SOUTH-EAST ETHIOPIA By: Mosissa Kejiella Megerssa MSW Dissertation Project Research Submitted to School of Social Work of the Indira Gandhi National Open University, in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for degree of masters of Art in Social Work. DECLARATION I hereby declare that the dissertation entitled WOMEN SAVINGS AND CREDIT COOPERATIVE SERVICES IN ZUWAY DUGDA DISTRICT, SOUTH EAST ETHIOPA , submitted by me for the partial fulfillment of MSW to Indira Gandhi National Open University, (IGNOU) Addis Ababa is my own original work and has not been submitted earlier, either to IGNOU or to any other institution for the fulfillment of the requirement for any other programme of study. I also declare that no chapter of this manuscript in whole or in part is lifted an incorporated in this report from any earlier work done by me or others . Place: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Signature: _________________ Date: May 2013 Enrolment No.: 109100808 Name: Mosissa Kejiella Megerssa Address: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia CERTIFICATE This is to certify that Mr. Mosissa Kejiella Megerssa student of MSW from Indira Gandhi National Open University, Addis Ababa was working under my supervision and guidance for his Project Work for the Course MSWP – 001. His Project Work entitled WOMEN SAVINGS AND CREDIT COOPERATIVE SERVICES IN ZUWAY DUGDA DISTRICT, SOUTH EAST, ETHIOPIA , which he is submitting, is his genuine and original work.
    [Show full text]
  • A Brief on Palestinian Women Photography Course Training
    ILO Initiatives on Promoting Women’s Participation in Cooperatives in oPt (2009-2012) Women’s Employment in the oPt The joint programme under the UNDP-Spain MDG Poor security and structural economic deficits Achievement fund (MDG-F) on "Gender Equality have contributed to women’s exclusion from paid and Women’s Empowerment in the occupied and protected employment in the occupied Palestinian territory" (oPt) brought together six UN Palestinian territory. High levels of agencies (the UNDP, UNIFEM, UNFPA, UNESCO, unemployment among women (30.5 per cent) and UNRWA and ILO) to work with relevant ministries low levels of female labour force participation of the PA, effective partners from civil society and (16.7 per cent) are linked to social and cultural the private sector on the promotion of Palestinian constraints and the time women spend on women’s social, economic and political reproductive and care work. The majority of empowerment through: working-age women are active in unpaid care work, which is critical to the well being of Reducing gender-based violence and all forms households. The importance of unpaid care work is amplified in the oPt as a key area for social of violence against women; policy because of limited social care services Increasing the representation of women and unavailability of efficient and effective women’s issues in decision-making bodies; transportation systems as well as movement Advancing equal opportunities for women’s restrictions (checkpoints, the Wall, and curfews). economic participation, especially women Source: PCBS, Third Quarter LFS, 2011. survivors of gender-based violence. The ILO took the lead for achieving the third programme outcome on “advancing equal opportunities for women’s economic participation, especially women survivors of gender-based violence”.
    [Show full text]
  • Publication S 4
    WWOOMMEENN IINN LLEEAADDEERRSSHHIIPP:: aacchhiieevviinngg aann eeqquuaall ffuuttuurree iinn aa CCOOVVIIDD--1199 wwoorrlldd ccooooppeerraattiivvee bbeesstt pprraaccttiicceess ffrroomm aarroouunndd tthhee wwoorrlldd March 2021 About the Gender Equality Committee of the International Cooperative Alliance The Gender Equality Committee of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA- GEC) is a catalyst for change to make gender equality a reality in all cooperatives and serves as a forum for the discussion and exchange of experiences and ideas on issues related to gender equality. The ICA-GEC's vision is of a cooperative movement led by women and men and based upon equity, solidarity, democracy, and development. In this vision, women's and men's values, skills, and contributions are valued equally and the organisation of work and decision-making structures are based on all people's needs and views. About the ICA-EU Partnership (#coops4dev) In March 2016, the International Cooperative Alliance entered into a Partnership with the European Commission, ushering in a new phase of collaboration on strengthening the cooperative movement as a key actor in international development. This Partnership is called #coops4dev. The ICA partners with its regional offices, based in Brussels (Belgium), Nairobi (Kenya), San José (Costa Rica), and Delhi (India), which are driving the action in collaboration with member organisations, civil society, international institutions, and the EU. Discover more. 1 N DECLARATION FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2021 O I T on
    [Show full text]
  • Female Entrepreneurship: Can Cooperatives Contribute to Overcoming the Gender Gap? a Spanish First Step to Equality
    sustainability Article Female Entrepreneurship: Can Cooperatives Contribute to Overcoming the Gender Gap? A Spanish First Step to Equality Maria Bastida 1,* , Luisa Helena Pinto 2, Ana Olveira Blanco 1 and Maite Cancelo 3 1 Department of Business Administration and Commerce, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; [email protected] 2 School of Economics, University of Porto, 4200-464 Porto, Portugal; [email protected] 3 Department of Quantitative Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +34-881811676 Received: 2 March 2020; Accepted: 19 March 2020; Published: 21 March 2020 Abstract: To date, entrepreneurship research has rarely focused on cooperatives. Recent research has suggested there is a positive association between cooperatives and women’s entrepreneurial activity based on the assumption that this model is especially suitable for women’s expectations and is favourable to their economic entrepreneurial development. However, few studies have empirically tested these propositions. This research, which analysed data from 264 Spanish cooperatives, confirms these findings. A mixed-methods approach was used. In the first stage, a Delphi study was run with 11 cooperative entrepreneurship experts to ask what factors may be decisive for women preferring a cooperative model. In the second stage, the factors derived from the Delphi study were used in a survey targeting female cooperative associates. The findings confirmed that female cooperative owners perceived this business model to be aligned with their values and best fit their work and lifestyle.
    [Show full text]
  • What Difference Do Cooperatives Make? Kenya Country Study
    U.S. OCDC International Cooperative Research Group What Difference Do Cooperatives Make? Kenya Country Study Dr. Judith A. Hermanson Dr. Barbara Czachorska-Jones Director, International Cooperative Cooperative Advisor, ICRG, OCDC Research Group (ICRG), U.S. Overseas Cooperative Development Council (OCDC) Ashley Holst Technical Specialist, Leah Marie Lucas Cooperatives and Inclusive Research Manager, ICRG, OCDC Business, Global Communities 1 Tables and Figures Table of 2 Key Acronyms 3 Acknowledgments Contents 4 Foreword 5 Introduction 7 Key Findings 9 Methodology 9 Components of the Research Study 10 Instrument Validation 10 Surveying and Interviewing 10 Sampling Plan 11 Focus Groups and Interviews 11 Desktop Review of Context Analysis 11 Cooperatives in Kenya 13 Demographic Data on Study Sample 15 Results and Analysis 15 Economic Benefits to Cooperative Members 15 Increased Incomes 17 Motives for Joining a Cooperative 19 Social Benefits to Cooperative Members 19 Economic Benefits to the Community 19 Social Benefits to the Community 21 Women in Cooperatives 23 Economic Status of Women 25 Conclusion 27 Key Recommendations 29 U.S. Overseas Cooperative Development Council Members 8 Figure 1. Income Levels of Cooperative Tables & Members in Relation to General Public 8 Figure 2. Annual Income of Cooperative Members by Gender Figures and Cooperative Membership 13 Table 1. Study’s Sample 13 Table 2. Gender Distribution 14 Table 3. Cooperative Member Distribution by Sector 14 Table 4. Rural and Urban Distribution 16 Figure 3. Perception of Household’s Economic Status 16 Figure 4. Average Annual Income by Cooperative Type 18 Figure 5. Cooperative Members’ Perspectives 18 Figure 6. Motivations for Cooperative Membership 20 Figure 7.
    [Show full text]
  • Gender Issues in Cooperatives by Anne-Brit Nippierd
    Gender Issues in Cooperatives by Anne-Brit Nippierd What are cooperatives? Cooperatives are autonomous asso- ployees of these and other coopera- Statement on the ciations of people who join together tive enterprises. Although coopera- Cooperative Identity to meet their common economic, tives are not instruments of em- social and/or cultural needs through ployment promotion as such, they jointly-owned and democratically do create and maintain employment Values: controlled enterprises. Cooperatives in both urban and rural areas are able to promote economic and around the world and thus provide Cooperatives are based on the social development because they are income to both members and em- values of self-help, self commercial organizations that fol- ployees in the form of shares of responsibility, democracy, low a broader set of values than surplus (profit), wages and salaries equality, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders , those associated purely with the depending on the type of coopera- cooperative members believe in profit motive. Because cooperatives tive. the ethical values of honesty, are owned by those who use their Enterprise development and par- openness, social responsibility services, the decisions taken by co- ticularly the promotion of small and and caring for others. operatives balance the need for prof- medium enterprises, has been itability with the wider interests of adopted as a prerequisite and a Cooperative Principles: the community. They also foster strategy for job creation and eco- • Voluntary and Open economic fairness by ensuring equal nomic growth in a large number of access to markets and services for membership countries. Governments are respon- • Democratic Member the membership base, which is open sible for formulating policies for an Control and voluntary (see Statement on Co- enabling environment for these • Member Economic operative Identity).
    [Show full text]
  • IMPACT of COOPERATIVES on ECONOMIC WELL BEING of RURAL WOMEN (A Study of Siddhababa Saving and Credit Cooperative Limited in Simichaur VDC, Gulmi)
    IMPACT OF COOPERATIVES ON ECONOMIC WELL BEING OF RURAL WOMEN (A Study of Siddhababa Saving and Credit Cooperative Limited in Simichaur VDC, Gulmi) A Thesis Submitted to the Central Department of Economics, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal, In partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF ARTS (M.A.) In Economics By SAROJ ARYAL Roll No. 70/067 T.U. Regd. No.: 9-2-29-1167-2007 Symbol No.: 280831/069 Central Department of Economics Tribhuwan University Kirtipur Kathmandu September, 2017 LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION This thesis entitled "IMPACT OF COOPERATIVES ON ECONOMIC WELL BEING OF RURAL WOMAN: STUDY OF SIDDHABABA SAVING AND CREDIT COOPERATIVE IN SIMICHAUR VDC, GULMI" has been prepared by Mr. Saroj Aryal under my supervision. I hereby recommend this thesis for examination by the thesis committee as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Economics. ………………………. Naveen Adhikari Thesis Supervisor Date: i APPROVAL SHEET We certify that this thesis entitled "IMPACT OF COOPERATIVES ON ECONOMIC WELL BEING OF RURAL WOMEN: A STUDY OF SIDDHABABA SAVING AND CREDIT COOPERATIVE IN SIMICHAUR VDC, GULMI" submitted by Mr. Saroj Aryal to the Central Department of Economics, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Tribhuvan University, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Economics has been found satisfactory in scope and quality. Therefore, we accept this thesis as a part of said degree. Thesis Committee …………….…………… Prof. Dr. Ram Prasad Gyanwaly Head, Central Department of Economics …………………………… External Examiner …………………….. Naveen Adhikari Thesis Supervisor Date: ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT First of all, I would like to express my sense of great indebtedness to my supervisor Lecturer Naveen Adhikari, Central Department of Economics for his regular Supervision and kind support.
    [Show full text]
  • Women in Co-Operative Sector by Savitri Singh Project
    Women in Co-operative Sector By Savitri Singh Project Director, ICA-AP( 2016) Empowerment has always been fundamental to the co-operative idea where people get together to achieve goals that they would not be able to achieve on their own. The goals are decided by the members themselves and, since co-operatives are organized on the principle of one person - one vote, the co-operative form of enterprise provides women with the opportunity of participating on equal terms with men. Co-operative enterprises can take on different forms: it can be set up by a group of enterprises or by individual entrepreneurs wishing to benefit from shared services, cheaper goods, and easier access to markets or higher prices for their products. But what they all have in common is that, as a group, members are able to create economies of scale and increase their influence and bargaining power. In many developing countries women work individually, often isolated, in the informal economy, operating at a low level of activity and earning marginal income. Joining forces in small-scale co-operatives can provide them with the economic, social and political leverage they need. There are several good examples of empowerment of women through co-operatives can be seen in Asia and Pacific Region. Barriers and challenges to women’s participation in Co-operatives (Ref: Gender issues in Co-operatives by Anne-Brit Nippierd) Since co-operatives, like other forms of enterprise, reflect the broader society in which they operate, it is not surprising that gender imbalances do exist, despite the co- operative principles and values that proclaim equality and equity.
    [Show full text]
  • How Do Women Overcome Gender Inequality by Forming Small-Scale Cooperatives? the Case of the Agricultural Sector in Uganda
    sustainability Article How Do Women Overcome Gender Inequality by Forming Small-Scale Cooperatives? The Case of the Agricultural Sector in Uganda Amber Theeuwen 1 , Valérie Duplat 2,* , Christopher Wickert 2 and Brian Tjemkes 2 1 Ernst & Young, 1083 HP Amsterdam, The Netherlands; [email protected] 2 Department of Management & Organization, School of Business and Economics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; [email protected] (C.W.); [email protected] (B.T.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +31-2059-8425-2 Abstract: In Uganda, the agricultural sector contributes substantially to gross domestic product. Although the involvement of Ugandan women in this sector is extensive, female farmers face signifi- cant obstacles, caused by gendering that impedes their ability to expand their family business and to generate incomes. Gender refers to social or cultural categories by which women–men relationships are conceived. In this study, we aim to investigate how gendering influences the development of business relationships in the Ugandan agricultural sector. To do so, we employed a qualitative– inductive methodology to collect unique data on the rice and cassava sectors. Our findings reveal at first that, in the agricultural sector in Uganda, inter-organization business relationships (i.e., between non-family actors) are mostly developed by and between men, whereas intra-organization business relationships with family members are mostly developed by women. We learn that gendering im- pedes women from developing inter-organization business relationships. Impediments for female Citation: Theeuwen, A.; Duplat, V.; farmers include their restricted mobility, the lack of trust by men, their limited freedom in communi- Wickert, C.; Tjemkes, B.
    [Show full text]
  • Developing Women's Entrepreneurship and E
    DEVELOPING WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND E-BUSINESS IN GREEN COOPERATIVES IN THE ASIAN AND PACIFIC REGION ESCAP is the regional development arm of the United Nations and serves as the main economic and social development centre for the United Nations in Asia and the Pacific. Its mandate is to foster cooperation between its 53 members and 9 associate members. ESCAP provides the strategic link between global and country-level programmes and issues. It supports Governments of countries in the region in consolidating regional positions and advocates regional approaches to meeting the region’s unique socio-economic challenges in a globalizing world. The ESCAP office is located in Bangkok, Thailand. Please visit the ESCAP website at <www.unescap.org> for further information. The shaded areas of the map are ESCAP members and associate members. DEVELOPING WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND E-BUSINESS IN GREEN COOPERATIVES IN THE ASIAN AND PACIFIC REGION United Nations New York, 2007 i GUIDEBOOK ON DEVELOPING WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN GREEN COOPERATIVES IN THE ASIAN AND PACIFIC REGION Copyright © United Nations 2007 All rights reserved ST/ESCAP/2468 This guidebook was developed by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in partnership with the Asia Pacific Women’s Information Network Center (APWINC) as part of one of many activities of the ESCAP project entitled “Establishment of Sustainable e-Business and Network for Green Cooperative Enterprises for Women in Rural Communities”, which was funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea. The Project was coordinated by the ICT Applications Section of the Information, Communication and Space Technology Division and the Gender Development Section of the Emerging Social Issues Division of ESCAP.
    [Show full text]