CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN PUBLIC SECTORS: THE CASE OF BUEE CITY ADMINISTRATION, EASTERN GURAGE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Women's empowerment has been as a pivotal area of development discourse, yet its realization remains fraught with challenges, particularly within governmental public sectors in developing countries. . This study aimed to identify challenges and opportunities of women’s empowerment in public sectors in Buee City Administration, Eastern Gurage Zone. To address the research objectives, the study employed descriptive survey research design with mixed approaches. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to select sample respondents. Purposive sampling was used for selecting public sectors and leaders for interviews. Additionally simple random sampling was used to select female respondents for questionnaires. Both primary and secondary data sources were used. Questionnaires, interviews, and document reviews were used as data gathering instruments. Descriptive statistics were used for analyzing quantitative data, and qualitative data were narrated and embedded to support quantitative data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that cultural and societal norms, structural barriers of organizations, economic constraints, lack of networking opportunities, overburden of domestic responsibilities, and policy-related challenges were main challenges which hindered women empowerment in public sectors. Additionally, limited capacity development and training opportunities coupled with lack of women empowerment initiatives were identified as challenges. Affirmative action, presence of women and children sectors, gender preference, quota system and innovation of technology were identified as available opportunities for empowering women in public sectors. Based on the study findings; gender sensitivity capacity building training, community awareness campaigns, mentorship programs that aim to cultivate a supportive network for women in local government were recommended to enhance women’s