Abstract:
This study intended to investigate the factors influencing the level of women
participation in community development projects. It was carried out in Kahama
Town council. The emphasis was put on the bypass of women in the execution of
development projects through a devolved participatory approach to development. Four
specific objectives of the study were: to determine the level of participation of women in
community development projects at Kagongwa ward, examine socio-cultural factors
influencing the participation of women in community development projects, identify
economic factors influencing the participation of women in community development
projects and to establish the role of media in influencing women participation in
community development project. The study utilized a case study design, with a
a sample size of 100 respondents whereby mixed methods of research approach were
used in data collection, data analysis, and data interpretation. Questionnaire survey
and interview methods were used to collect data. Two data analysis methods were
employed; the content analysis for qualitative data and descriptive statistical analysis
using a statistical package for the social sciences computer programme (SPSS)
version 20.0 for quantitative data.
The finding of the study reveals that the level of women participation in community
development projects at Kagongwa ward is medium. Social-cultural factors such as
social norms and values, gender roles and stereotyping, and attitude influence
negatively on women's participation in community development projects. The level of
education has a positive significant influence on women's participation in community
development projects. Furthermore, the study reveals that economic factors like
income level and preoccupation of women affected the level of women participation
in community development projects. Media was observed to influence the level of
women participation in community development projects. The study recommends
that there should be improvements in gender awareness for men and women;
capacity building for women training for both men and women and dissemination of
information through media should be given priority.
