CHALLENGING THE CHALLENGE: AN ANALYSIS OF THE INITIATIVES TAKEN BY WOMEN IN MUSHANDIKE RESETTLEMENT SCHEME TO PARTICIPATE IN DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Despite numerous initiatives being taken by governments, non-governmental and qausigovernmental organisations and even the private sector to try and mainstream women in development, there is still a lot to be done in terms of increasing the number of women participating in development. Some scholars have blamed women themselves for not taking initiatives to participate in development. Some are putting the blame on the methodological problems associated with the interventions and some are saying the substantive issues of the initiatives do not have women issues of development. The study sought to find out how women are taking advantage of these initiatives to participate in development. The study utilised both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, where in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were the main qualitative instruments and questionnaire was the main quantitative method of collecting data. The study identified some initiatives being taken by women to try and participate in development and most notable improvement was seen in economic integration. There was also some progress in improving their educational qualifications, but very minimal improvement in political participation. There is need however to come up with interventions that support these initiatives so that women’s livelihoods are supported and sustainable development is enhanced. There is also need to come up with a holistic approach where these initiative start at grassroots trying to start with programmes that benefit the girl-child so that they develop this entrepreneurship culture which can help them participate in development. Special programmes need to be tailored so that they benefit rural women.