Gender and decision making in a family: a case study of women petty traders in Tabora municipality

This study is on gender and decision making in a family was carried out in Tabora Municipality. Specifically, this study aimed at finding out the relationship between contribution of income earning and the decision-making power of women petty traders in a household. The study’s main assumption was that income earned by women’s has positive effects on the decisions made within her household. The research was guided by empowerment and gender stratification theory in executing the study. All participants included in this research were purposefully selected. Data was collected through participatory observation, questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions. The study showed that the income earning of women petty traders without considering their income level helped them to at least have a say in their household. It also revealed that women have more contribution to their household compared to their husbands. It further discloses that women’s income earning has complex and contradictory effects. Although it has improved the status of women, in some instances it has created a burden on the lives. The study observed that income and the gendered ideologies matter in the household decision-making. Important household matters such as house management (gender roles of women) are left to the exclusive decisions of women whereas, those which are considered important household matters such as control of household resources (capital and assets) are left to their counterparts’. The negotiating power of women in the decision-making processes is influenced by the gendered ideologies in addition to their income contribution.