An assessment of saving and credit Co-operative society contribution on empowering women; the case of Musoma district

An assessment of saving and credit co-operative society contribution on empowering women The study attempts to assess the contribution of saving and credit cooperative society (SACCOS) on women's empowerment. It covered the women that involves in income generating activities. Its objectives were; first, to evaluate whether women participation in SACCOS have developed saving behaviour. Second, to investigate whether women's income generating activities financed by SACCOS's credit enabled them to increase income as well as to contribute to the household budget. Last, to investigate whether SACCOS is a tool for women's involvement in household economic decision. The findings shows SACCOS played a very fundamental role in enhancing women's status in the society at large. The information obtained from respondents reflects the contribution of SACCOS on empowering women is positive. However, these positive contributions are likely to be eroded as a result of women's increased expenditure in the households due to high income. Since most of SACCO'S offer two traditional products, saving and credit there was a need of introduction of other products to capitalize SACCO'S. Also special programme for women should be introduced with consideration Business environment.