ASSESSING THE SOCIAL EFFECTS OF POVERTY ON WOMEN HEADED HOUSEHOLDS IN RURAL AREAS: THE CASE OF ENOR WOREDA IN GURAGHE ZONE, SNNPRS

Abstract

This study was aimed at assessing the social effects of poverty on women-headed households in rural areas, specifically in the case of Enor Woreda, Guraghe Zone, SNNPRS. A total of 99 sample women-head households were randomly selected from five selected kebeles. Primary and secondary data sources were used for this study. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaire, key informant interview and focus group discussions from rural women-headed households and concerned representatives from government sector and non-governmental organizations. By taking their specialized knowledge and experience in working with women headed households, the researcher involved experts from various backgrounds, including offices of labor and social affairs, culture and tourism, and NGO. This helped, the researcher to gather a comprehensive understanding of the social effects of poverty on women-headed households in rural areas, allowing for a more holistic analysis of the topic. To this end, the researcher used mixed approaches of both qualitative and quantitative methods to conduct the study. Descriptive design was employed to analyzing the collected data. Hence, the quantitatively gathered data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency tables and percentages). The findings of this study made it clear that female-headed households were facing different social problems in accessing social services such as education, clean water, healthcare, and housing due to poverty. Additionally, women-headed households in the study area have also been encountering difficulties in ensuring food security, physical safety, security, and maintaining good family relationships. Furthermore, the preliminary findings highlight the emergence of exclusion and stigma within these households, primarily influenced by poverty. Additionally, the research indicates that female-headed households are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence, exclusion, and stigma due to their circumstances. To address these substantial issues, collaboration between communities, government entities, and non-governmental organizations is crucial. by means of working together, these stakeholders must formulate effective strategies to mitigate the social consequences linked to poverty among rural women-led households, regardless of their de facto or de jure status.