Abstract:
In Ethiopia, gender inequality and disempowerment have been rampant in all parts of the country
attributable to the socio-cultural exclusions and economic problems prevailing in the society.
Therefore, the study aims to assess practices, challenges and opportunities of socio-economic
empowerment of beneficiary women in Yeka Cub City in Addis Ababa. The case of Union of
Ethiopian Women and Children Association’s. The study followed a mixed research design
approach whereby qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were combined to
generate both qualitative and quantitative data. Descriptive survey design and exploratory research
design is combined for generating a better result. The study employed a combination of non probability and probability sampling techniques. This study consisted of both primary and
secondary sources of data. Primary data were collected by researcher from respondents; the
secondary data were collected from different published and unpublished materials such as training
manuals, official reports, plans, annual reports, records, and census records. The collected data
were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively to achieve the stated objectives of this study, the study
revealed that the overall assessment of Union of Ethiopian Women’s and Children Association’s
social accountability program in Nifassilk Lafto sub-city showed that there was a greater possibility
of ensuring women empowerment under such program. It was also found out that women
beneficiaries’ opportunity and access to participation in local development efforts and public basis
service delivery issues, as well as methods of approaching administrative bodies was significantly
enhanced. However, the project has no consistency and not reachable to the poorest of poor. The
training has been given to the same beneficiaries repeatedly. Still there is lot of room available for
improvement in terms of selection and sustainability. The major opportunities for socio-economic
empowerment of the women beneficiaries were found missed.
