Contribution of Non-Governmental Organisation on Women Economic Empowerment in Tanzania

Abstract

This study assessed the contribution of NGOs to Women's Economic Empowerment in Tanzania taking the case of Longido District in Tanzania. Specifically focusing on the impact of capacity building, the effect of financial resilience strategies, and the influence of market linkages on women's economic empowerment. The need for the study arose because women are trapped in a permanent state of poverty, which hinders their ability to achieve maximum capabilities and make contributions to the economy. This study used a mixed-methods approach to look at how NGOs empower women economically. Adopting a descriptive survey design, the approaches of quantitative and qualitative data collecting were combined. Structured questionnaires were administered to a sample of 125 women from NGOs to collect quantitative data. In-depth interviews with 12 informants including community leaders and NGO program managers also yielded qualitative insights that helped to deepen the knowledge of unique experiences and program success. The regression analysis found that 42.8% of WEE was significantly influenced by capacity-building (β = 0.377, p-value <0.001) including courses on skill development and training are rather successful in improving women's economic potential. Likewise, mentoring reveals that personal direction is vital for empowerment with a good effect on professional and financial results. NGOs help women entrepreneurs improve market links (β = 0.248, p-value = 0.003) and financial resilience (β = 0.185, p-value =0.006). The results show that the financial stability of women has been much enhanced by the financial policies encouraged by NGOs, including savings practices and emergency fund building. The study concluded that access to information about financial resources and involvement in savings programs enhanced financial stability. Also, the availability of credit and loans by NGOs has helped to make wise borrowing decisions, therefore improving the financial performance of companies run by women. Based on the results, it is advised that NGOs keep increasing support of financial resilience methods, especially using savings and emergency funds promotion. Continuous planning of trade fairs and networking activities to promote cooperation among women-owned companies, supporting sustainable economic development and the empowerment of women in society.