The roles of Nigiina self-help projects in empowering women in eradicating poverty: A case study of two women groups in Kawempe Division, Kampala District, Uganda, 2001-2010

Abstract

Introduction: The research study was about the role Nigiina self-help projects in empowering women to eradicate poverty; A Case Study of two women groups in Kawempe-Division, Kampala Uganda 2001-2010.The groups are Kasule Twegatte women group Mpererwe –Mugalu zone and Tukole Bukozi women group Kiwonvu zone Mulago parish. Nigiina is a product of women’s innovation without external input or prompting as the case with many women’s NGOS, their focus on positive cultural values and customs augurs well for their future. Justification: The aim of the study was to determine the potential of Nigiina self-help projects to mobilize resources and promote socio-economic development in an effort to eradicate / reduce poverty among women. Research Methodology: The sample size included 75 respondents, 10 focus group members were also interviewed. The researcher also had to interviewed 5 (3Aunts and 2 local council leaders) Also 30 members from Tukole Bukozi group were interviewed and 30 members from Kasule Twegatte group. The study was based various data collection instruments used namely; Research methods(Qualitative and Quantitative), research Design(Case study), Area of study(Kawempe , Kampala District), Population size(75 members were interviewed), Sample size(30 members from each group 10 for focus group discussions,2 local council officials,3Aunts), Criteria for Selection( random sampling and purposive sampling), Data Collection tools,(Books, journals,Websites interviews, focus group discussions, participant observations, direct observations , Questionnaires), Data Management(the assigning of numerical values), Data Analysis(coding and analyzing data), and use of Photos. Findings: Nigiina reflects the African tradition of a communal approach of life . They are a product of women’s innovation without external input or prompting as the case with many women’s NGOS, their focus on positive cultural values and customs augurs well for their future. The study also found out that Nigiina are bound by common identity where everyone seem to know one another and are bound by common religious and cultural beliefs. Conclusions: Nigiina Self-help groups helped the members to acquire leadership skills which enabled them to enhance their mobilization capacity to fight poverty. Recommendations: Recommendations were made and these include frequent training by themselves, by members in business skills, provision of proper skills, provision of proper education to the members about business skills, leadership skills, and motivation factors, The members should see to it that there is continuity, encourage diversification of business; such as poultry, farming, trade and commerce etc., The government should come up with viable projects and workable strategies such as financing women projects, giving them softer loans at low interest rates, there is need to continue with our upward participation of girls/woman in school, women should form Nigiina on the basis of education for which they should raise money for school fees, a women group such as Nigiina has come to solve the concession issues of gender difference, Nigiina are seen as organization which are more on ground and managed in the most relevant manner