Abstract:
This study determined the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on women microfinance
services uptake and establish whether women access to microfinance services has challenged the
prevailing patriarchal system in Hai District, Kilimanjaro region. The study used a cross-sectional
research design involving 111 respondents drawn at random from the study population. Both qualitative
and quantitative data were collected and analysed. Content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative
data whereby Atlas.ti computer software was used to organise and analyse some data. Ordered probit
regression model was used to analyse the influence of some socio-demographic characteristics on
women microfinance services uptake. The findings show that marital status and education level attained
tend to influence women microfinance services uptake and some level of social and economic
empowerment. Moreover, microfinance uptake among women beneficiaries has not challenged the
current patriarchal system in the study area. The study concludes that while socio-economic
empowerment was realised among some microfinance beneficiaries, microfinance services uptake
among women has not yet succeeded to influence the prevailing patriarchal system. It is advised that
women and other key stakeholders, should engage in serious training and sensitisation practices to
actively influence meaningful change in the current patriarchal system.
