Diana-Bupe Philemon Mwiru

(University of Dar es Salaam Business School, Dar es Salaam Tanzania)

 

 

Abstract: Women constitute more than 50 percent of the world population hence their full participation in the development programmes could contribute significantly to world economic growth. Recognizing the importance of women participation in development programmes countries worldwide including Tanzania have ushered programmes geared to empowering women economically, politically and socially. Tanzania has signed many treaties which are geared to bringing gender equality and ending women discrimination in all spheres of life. More specifically the government is committed to achieving gender equality. According to the World Bank statistics Tanzania has achieved 36 percent of women representation in decision making. While there is still a gap to achieve the intended gender parity in political spheres it is important to understand how women perform as leaders. This study therefore, sought to assess barriers and challenges facing low cadre women leaders in Tanzania. The study involved 125 women leaders of VICOBA, Conservation agriculture, Natural resources management committees and land use groups in Mtwara and Lindi. Overall, the results reveal lack of leadership skills as a fundamental skill and knowledge gap among women group leaders. The study recommends leadership orientation capacity building programmes to low cadre women leaders to enhance their knowledge and leadership skills for them to be able to effectively assume their leadership position and roles in groups and community.

 

 

Key words: leadership, women empowerment and gender

 

JEL codes: M