Ngoboka, Makanibwa2019-08-042020-01-072019-08-042020-01-072012Ngoboka, M.(2012). Women’s participation in leadership positions in local government decision making bodies in Tanzania: a case study of Iringa district. Masters dissertation, university of Dar es Salaam. Available at (http://41.86.178.3/internetserver3.1.2/search.aspx?formtype=advanced)http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/3223Available in print copyDespite the widespread movement towards democratization in most of the countries in the world, women still are largely underrepresented at most levels of government decision making positions, and have made little progress in attaining political power. In accordance to this, there was an attempt by the Iringa District Council, with the support of Tanzanian central government, to increase women’s participation in decision making bodies through special seats from 14% to 25% at district level and from 24% to 35% at village level, from the year 2004-2010. Nevertheless, there is perceived under achievement. This study therefore examines the effectiveness of affirmative action program through special seats as a mechanism of enabling women to access representation in local political decision making bodies. It further identifies the factors (formal and informal) that can enable women to participate in leadership positions in local government decision making bodies. Furthermore, recommendations for the improvement of women’s participation in decision making in local government bodies are also given out. The study based on cross sectional approach with methods such as administered questionnaire, structured and semi-structured interviews as well as observation to collect primary data. In addition secondary data was sourced from relevant literatures like books, journals and other publications on women participation in local leadership positions. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social science software,(SPSS). Also Simple descriptive statistics such as frequencies and cross tabulations were done. Evidence from the study indicates that, women participation in local leadership positions depend much on a combination of both formal and informal factors. However, women in the rural areas are still faced with constraints which hinder them to participate in local leadership positions. Such constraints include, lack of technical capacity and shortage of economic resources among rural women; lack of effective strategy of administering special seats as a method of enabling women to participate in leadership positions in local decision making bodies and community negative perception towards women participation in local government decision making bodies in general. In particular, women have limited network with village decision making bodies. Some of the major recommendations are: in order for quotas to be effective, it is imperative for both women and men to get access to training and skills development. It is also important to recommend that women politicians, like men, also need to have the support of powerful individuals, groups and networks to forward their political careers and to establish and widen their power base once in positions of power. Furthermore, awareness rising of community on gender relation is recommended.enWomen’s participationleadershiplocal governmentIringa districtTanzaniaThesis