Women microfinance services uptake and patriarchal setbacks: lessons from Kalali Savings and credit co-operative society in Hai district, Tanzania

Abstract

This study determined the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on women microfinance services uptake and establish whether women access to microfinance services has challenged the prevailing patriarchal system in Hai District, Kilimanjaro region. The study used a cross-sectional research design involving 111 respondents drawn at random from the study population. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analysed. Content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data whereby Atlas.ti computer software was used to organise and analyse some data. Ordered probit regression model was used to analyse the influence of some socio-demographic characteristics on women microfinance services uptake. The findings show that marital status and education level attained tend to influence women microfinance services uptake and some level of social and economic empowerment. Moreover, microfinance uptake among women beneficiaries has not challenged the current patriarchal system in the study area. The study concludes that while socio-economic empowerment was realised among some microfinance beneficiaries, microfinance services uptake among women has not yet succeeded to influence the prevailing patriarchal system. It is advised that women and other key stakeholders, should engage in serious training and sensitisation practices to actively influence meaningful change in the current patriarchal system.