Gender and women empowerment: the case of managerial cadres in selected organizations in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The objective of the study is to critically examine and analyse obstacles to gender empowerment with respect to women in managerial positions in selected organizations and institutions in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used in a complementary way so as to facilitate a comprehensive grasp and understanding of the issues under study. The findings show that, despite their high levels of education attained and their zeal to fight for their rights, women face two main obstacles towards gender equality, on one hand are the traditional customs, and on the other hand are the social-cultural pressures, economic and political factors emanating from the capitalist system all of which constitute formidable factors towards women subordination in most areas including employment. The study recommends that, women empowerment at any level can be achieved if both women and men are given enough education, finance and infrastructure as a whole rather than women doing it and in isolation from man.