Analyizing Women Participation In Local Government: The Case Of Ilala Municipal Council

ABSTRACT

The issue of women's participation in all spheres of life has become a major developmental concern worldwide. The study was guided by three objectives, namely: To identify opportunities that are available from different stakeholders in enhancing women‟s participation in elections, to assess the extent to which women are successful in local government elections and in decision-making processes within local government, to examine factors that impinge on the women participation of women in local government. The study was carried out in Ilala municipal council. The study adopted a descriptive research design which studies targeted a population of 73 respondents. Data from primary sources were gathered using questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interviews. Both qualitative and quantitative instruments were employed to analyze field data. The study found out that there is a huge gap between elected females and males in Ilala local council, also there are factors that impinge women participation such as economic factors, intimidation, lack of confidence, and low levels of education The study also found out that there were opportunities from different stakeholders that were available for women that enhanced their participation both as candidates and voters. The study, therefore concluded that commitment towards women‟s political empowerment is facing many challenges, including the way it is (or is not) mainstreamed in the political agenda. It is important to note that the quota system will only work where there is a political commitment to promoting gender equality. An increase in the number of women through reserved seats is not enough but it is the actions taken by women representatives that matter