Effect of Women Empowerment on Economic Growth in Somalia: A Case Study of Mogadishu

Abstract

Women empowerment and economic development are closely related in one direction development alone can play a major role in driving down inequality between men and women, in the other direction, empowering women may benefit development. The study determined the effect of women empowerment on economic growth of Somalia. The study was guided by the following specific objectives, the first objective was to find out the effect of women’s access to education on economic growth of Somalia, second objective was to establish the effects of women’s participation in economic activity on economic growth of Somalia, and the final objective was to investigate the effect of women’s political participation on economic growth of Somalia. This study was guided by women empowerment theory, economic modernity theory, cultural modernity theory, historical legacies theory and the institutional design perspective. Descriptive research design was used for this study. The target population size was 78 employees and beneficiaries but 73 respondents were available in the data collection field. The study used structured questionnaires and data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Multiple linear regression, correlation and ANOVA were generated. Data was presented using tables. Results from the study indicated that majority of the respondents agreed that Women receive limited access in education in Somalia as represented by a mean response value of 3.95. The study findings revealed that women participation in economic activities have an effect on economic growth as evidenced by a mean response value of 3.94. Survey findings indicated that a large number of respondents agreed to the statement that women have limited seats in public institutions in Somalia. This is witnessed by a mean response value of 3.96.Basing on the survey findings it can be concluded that women empowerment and economic growth have relation. The regression analysis revealed that there is a significant relation between education as an empowerment strategy and standard of living as an economic growth indicator. The study recommended Women Economic Empowerment is very important for a country's development right from the smallest unit of the community which is the family. Having empowered women in a country means great reduction in dependence rates, reduction in violence against women, increased household income leading to increased household purchasing power resulting into an improved standard of living adding on the taxes that the government in each country collects which is then invested back into better services to the tax payers women inclusive.