Start-up social enterprises and women’s economic empowerment in Ndejje –Bongole cell, Wakiso District

Abstract

The study was focused on establishing the contribution of start-up social enterprises to women’s economic empowerment using a case study of Egality Development Hub in Wakiso (Ndejje-Bongole cell). The study examined the social demographic profile of women who engage in social entrepreneurship, the facilitative factors and motivation for their participation, the general and specific economic benefits attained and the challenges or constraints faced by both the women and the organization.

Qualitative research was conducted through interviews with key stakeholders within Egality Development Hub including beneficiaries and the staff. Seven (7) participants were engaged in in-depths interviews and one (1) key informant participated in interviews. Data was analyzed through thematic data analysis technique.

The contribution of social entrepreneurship to Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) was reported to be through facilitating the growth of businesses by availing the necessary financial services in form of loans and trainings on saving and investment. Empowering these women with financial literacy solutions like skills on saving and investment, assisted them to maneuver and understand the markets and management of their finances both at the business and household level. Women encountered various challenges in managing their businesses and these included difficulty in balancing responsibilities concerning their businesses and homes, lack of education as most respondents barely completed high school and lack of family support. Besides women, Egality development hub also encountered challenges in providing services and these included difficulty in recovering the money given to women, misconception of the organization as a charity organization and limited funding to facilitate the organization’s growth.