Exploring the role of Finnish International NGOs in Women Empowerment in Tanzania. Case:Demo Finland

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to explore the role of Finnish international NGOs in women empowerment in Tanzania. The exploration was done by focusing on the role of Demo Finland in women empowerment in Tanzania. Data was collected in Dar es salaam, Tanzania between June and August, 2012 through different leaders and/or members leading different political parties’ women wings. Different methods were used to collect data, namely: interviews through interview guides, discussions during 4 visits to political parties’ women wings offices. Other data was collected from face to face and/or telephone interviews with Demo Finland’s local leaders from the pilot projects of Kyela, Zanzibar, and Temeke. The consulted leaders and other women empowerment stakeholders were from village, district and regional level. Lastly, another method used was observation at women groups’ meetings/gatherings in Temeke ward, Makangarawe Street.

Data was analysed manually to obtain totals of frequency of responses to a specific question. The study established that the role of Demo Finland is visible and a lot of changes have happened since the organization started supporting women empowerment in Tanzania. Nearly all the pilot projects representatives that were interviewed stated that improvements were seen and enjoyed though at different paces. It is recommended that in order to combat inequality in the country, there is a need to enhance education for girls-women. It is also necessary to enhance cooperation among the government, non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the people from the grassroots level in implementing women empowerment/equality programmes and promote equality.

KEYWORDS: Role of NGOs, Women empowerment, Tanzania, Inequality