THE CONTRIBUTION OF VILLAGE SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS (VSLAs) TOWARDS THE EMPOWERMENT OF RURAL WOMEN IN RWANDA A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED VILLAGE SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS IN MURAMA SECTOR

Abstract

The study conducted aimed to find out the contribution of Village Saving and Loans Associations (VSLAs) towards the Empowerment of Rural women in Rwanda, A case of study of selected Village Saving and Loans Associations in Murama sector. The study’s objectives were to examine the contribution of VSLAs in promoting the economic empowerment of rural women in Murama sector, to analyze the contribution of VSLAs to the social empowerment of rural women in Murama sector, to find out the challenges faced by VSLAs in promoting women's empowerment in Murama sector and to propose strategies for addressing them. The study adopted the mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative design, the purposive sampling techniques were used in selecting the sample while interview, questionnaire, and documentary were used in data collection. Last, not least the descriptive statistics were used in data analysis. The study finds out that VSLAs increase women access to financial resources, promotes social inclusion and participation in community activities as well as enable women to have access to credit and also and increase the social networks and supports systems. The study finds the challenges faced VSLAs such as limited access to technology and lack of proper governance structure and mechanism to address the specific needs. The study recommends, financial support for the VSLAs should be enhanced and expands access to training and capacity building.