The Contribution of Rural Water Supply Project towards Women Empowerment (In Derashe woreda of SNNPRS)

Abstract

Women in Ethiopia constitute the larger portion of a community. Rural women in Ethiopia are less empowered who has been facing problems in terms of economic inequalities, low social status, low education and low access to resources. This study used both structured questioner and detail interview to examine the extent of women empowerment achieved by drinking water supply project in Derashe district, Ethiopia. Six empowerment dimensions such as economic empowerment, access to water, participation in community decision making, membership in local institution etc. The distribution of level of empowerment showed that most of the participants have achieved economic empowerment from medium to high. The project allowed participation in community decision from moderate to high. Community members empowered from medium to high level respectively through participation in project planning and implementation. The study concluded that low literacy can be improved through education and training. Besides more diversified income generating scheme need to be identified and implemented to enhance women’s economic empowerment. Rules and regulations need also to be enforced to encourage more participation and empowerment in project planning, management, and participation in various local institutions.