Practices and Challenges of Women in Leadership and Development Activities of Some Selected Woredas of Bench Maji Zone, Ethiopia

This study was intended to assess the practices and challenges of women in leadership and development activities of some selected woredas of Bench Maji Zone. The purpose of this study was to look into the depth of the nature of the existing practices and challenges of women in leadership and development activities. The review of literature tried to overview the concept of women in leadership and challenges of women in leadership position. It suggests women participation in leadership and decision making position can affect many areas of development. It further suggests that positive engagement of women in decision making positions and development in all demographic environments can increase economic achievement levels of the country. The study employed a descriptive survey method. Five out of 10 woredas and 1 one city administration in Bench Maji Zone were selected as a sample for the study by using simple random sampling techniques. Questionnaire, Interview, Focus group discussion and document analysis were the main instruments used to collect data. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed. SPSS version 16 was used for the quantitative analysis. The major conclusions made from the study were equal participation and representation of women in leadership positions and development activities would ensure better economic performance of the sector. Effects and sensitivities of women in leadership and development activities were high. The progress of women in leadership and development activities over the last five year was fast. However, still there is a gap when compared with men counterparts. Most of the time women join mostly low level work conditions. Today women under representing in leadership position in almost all sectors due to relatively women have less freedom because of their family responsibility and lack of necessary qualifications and skills to fill position of responsibility. Major challenges influencing women were cultural issues and lack of parental involvement which were common in female headed institutions. Better activities were done regarding eradicating extreme poverty and hunger and achieving universal primary education. Lastly, based on the findings and conclusions, recommendations were forwarded to alleviate some of the existing challenges during the practices in leadership and development activities.