Abstract:
This study investigated the role of microfinance institution services on women
household’s power relations. Specifically, the study aimed at investigating the
contribution of savings on women household power relations, determine the influence
of loan on women household power relation and determine the importance of education
and training on women household’s power relations. The study used cross-sectional
research design with the population of 153 women who are members of Kalali
SACCOS in which the sample of 99 respondents was drawn from the population. This
study used both purposive and simple random sampling techniques whereby both
primary and secondary data were collected. Qualitative data were analyzed using
content analysis technique whereby quantitative data were analyzed with the aid of
Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) in which descriptive statistics and
inferential statistics method were used. Findings indicated that both savings and access
of finance together with education and training are important to household power
relations since it improves business management skills, allows women to break the
barrier of education, improves confidence, women social status as well as improves
attainment of household needs and responsibilities. This shows that education and
training as the services offered in the SACCOS has improved household power
relations, since it allows women to improve their social and economic welfare through
benefits of having successful business and ability to attain their household needs. It is
concluded that the majority of women were less developed prior to saving, acquiring
loans and getting education and training when compared to post joining SACCOS, since
through SACCOS services women were able to increase ownership of assets as well as
increased ability of managing household needs. Concerning the contribution of savings,
loan, education and training for women, household power relations, has improved
women skills and women are able to manage business successfully and create a chance
of improving themself. Therefore, the study recommends that the SACCOS in
collaboration with the government through its organs such as the Ministry of Finance
and community-based organization like TUSONGE should increase funds for more
women to borrow and allocate substantial budget in order to provide training seminars
concerning microfinance institution services in relation to household power relations.
