The Role of women empowerment clubs in poverty reduction in Zambia

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of women empowerment clubs in poverty reduction in Zambia. The study targeted some women empowerment groups in different parts of the country. The objectives of this study were as follows; to find out if women’s clubs contribute to poverty reduction among women, to examine the challenges that women’s club experiences and to determine measures that could be put in place to overcome the challenges.

The research design of the study was a survey design which used both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A sample of 50 women was selected from 10 women empowerment clubs in various parts of Zambia which include Lusaka, Chinsali and Senanga. The data was collected using questionnaires.

The findings of the study revealed that women have been empowered by the clubs. They have acquired skills and knowledge that some of them have used to start small businesses. These small businesses help the women to earn an income that helps them to run their households and send children to school.

The study therefore recommended that the government and other stakeholders must help in financing the women empowerment clubs and a local and international market should be created to allow women to sell whatever the make and produce in their empowerment group or clubs.