Establishing women leaders’ contribution for improving community well-being and social welfare in Tanzania: a case of Temeke Municipal Council, Dar es Salaam region

This study examined contributions of women leaders in improving community well-being and social welfare at local level. The main objective of the study was to establish whether or not women leaders were contributing to improving community well-being and social welfare during their tenure in office. A total number of 100 respondents participated in this study. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Qualitative data were obtained by using interview and focus group discussion from key respondents in three categories, namely; leaders, women leaders and community members. Quantitative data were obtained using questionnaire with both close-ended and ended questions. Overall, study findings revealed that although women leaders were contributing significantly to improving the community well-being and social welfare, they were experiencing several problems and challenges. In addition to negative perception and attitudes, most respondents particularly community members confessed that they were unaware of women leaders’ specific contribution in improving community well-being and social welfare.To conclude, the contribution of women leaders in improving community well-being and social welfare at local level, women leaders play roles by providing education through raising awareness in family, community and nation at large. Besides, women leaders provide self-reliance on entrepreneurship skills together with support for education to men and women as well as disadvantaged groups through cooperation with other stakeholders including non-governmental organizations/civil society organizations and government regardless of problems/challenges they encounter. Based on results from the study, several recommendations have been presented.