GENDER DISCRIMINATION AND IT'S IMPACTS ON INCOME

DISTRIBUTION (incase of bichena town)

By: ZEWDU HABITE

Advisor: ABEBE. C (MCs)
A SENIOR ESSAY SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTEMENT OF
ECONOMICS IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT
FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ECONOMIC
WOLAITA SODO UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF BUSSINESS

AND ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS

June 20012 WOLAITA SODO ETHIOPIA

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Acknowledgement
First and for most I Would like to thank the God for endowing with the endurance and
courage of going through all up and down to reach the stage where I am now. Next to that I
am highly appreciated to my advisor MR. ABEBE. C for his going through each and every point
thoroughly wasting his precious time in reading the paper as well as for his constructive
criticism. My next thanks go to my family specially my mother AZENEG ANDUALEM and all my
brother and sister for their inherent help and financial as well as moral support while doing
my work. Finally, I would like to extend my gratitude to WOLAITA SODO University, college of
business and economics department of Economics high gave me this opportunity and to
BICHENA town employees for their accurate information provided to me during my study.

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Abstract
In countries like Ethiopia in the majority of community gender discrimination always prevails.
Even though the government of Ethiopia declares the equality of male and female. Ethiopian
women's experiences and open forms of discrimination throughout their life. Gender
discrimination has not only direct impact on development but also on income distribution
because is affect implementation of economic and social policies in the economy. The socio
economic system and local administrative structure favour male ownership. The woman lack
property right and they also lack access to and control over resources and there have had
negative consequences on their families more ever there are many hindering factors that
restrict woman from active participation in economic activates. The objectives of the paper
are to analyse the gender discrimination and its impact on income distribution. In the study
researcher used both primary and secondary data. The primary data is collected using
questionnaires and interview. The secondary data is collected through magazine, books and
internet services.

The data is analysed using table by using description analysis, means comparing one idea
with others. In the study sample random sampling is use to avoid biasness. Finally, the
studies are concluded and give some recommendations which are important for the woman's
and society to prevent it.

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 List of contents
Contents Page
Acknowledgement ................................................................................................. 2

Abstract ................................................................................................................. 3

Chapter one .............................................................................................................. 5

1. Introduction .......................................................................................................... 5

1.1 Back ground of the study ..................................................................................... 5

1.2 Statement of the problem .................................................................................... 6

1.3 Objective of the study ........................................................................................ 6

1.3.1 General objective ............................................................................................. 6

1.3.2 Specific objective .............................................................................................. 6

1.4 Significance of the study ....................................................................................... 7

1.5 Scope of the study ................................................................................................. 7

1.6 Limitation of the study .......................................................................................... 7

1.7 Organization of the study ...................................................................................... 7

Chapter Two ............................................................................................................... 8

2. Literature Review .................................................................................................... 8

2.1 Theoretical literature ............................................................................................ 8

2.1.1 Causes of discrimination against women ............................................................. 9

2.1.1.1 Inequality on income distribution ..................................................................... 9

2.2 Poverty on incomes distribution ............................................................................ 10

2.2.1 Discrimination in the access to resources ............................................................ 11

2.2.2 The difference between genders on income distribution ................................... 11

2.3 Women in development ......................................................................................... 12

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2.4 Empirical literature ................................................................................................. 12

2.4.1 The impact of gender discrimination on poverty in Brazil................................... 12

2.4.2 Gender Discrimination in Education In Pakistan, Tanzania and Bolivia ............... 13

Chapter three ............................................................................................................... 16

3. Methodology ............................................................................................................. 16

3.1 Descriptive of the study area ................................................................................... 16

3.2 Data type and Sources .............................................................................................. 17

3.3 Methods of data collection ....................................................................................... 17

3.4 Sample design and sample size ................................................................................ 17

3.5 Methods of data analysis ....................................................................................... 18

Chapter four ................................................................................................................. 20

4. Data analysis and presentation .................................................................................. 20

4.1 Gender discrimination in Bichena Town .................................................................... 20

Chapter five ..................................................................................................................... 32

Conclusion and Recommendation ..................................................................................... 32

5.1 Conclusion .................................................................................................................. 32

5.2 Recommendation ....................................................................................................... 34

Reference .......................................................................................................................... 35

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 CHAPTER ONE

1. Introduction
1.1 Background of the study
Despite this progress women have remained disadvantaged in many ways. Gender equality
has not been achieved and women do not enjoy equal rights with men in accessing and
having control over land and other productive resources. Access to and control over
resources and benefits is determined by socio-cultural norms which have significant impacts
on gender relations. Social relations of production and consumption (access to and control
over means and benefits of production) show constraints on women in many communities
(Davison, 1988, World bank, 2004). These inequalities of opportunities in access to and
control over resources have made women more vulnerable to poverty than men in many
parts of the world.

Ethiopian women are actively involved in all aspects as their society life. The fact that women
are both producer and activate participant in the social, political and cultural activity as their
communities has enables them to play all round role. Women have multiplicity of roles in
society. These are commonly grouped in to three: productive, reproductive and social or
community. Depending up on the cultural context and the stage of development of their
society, women are engaged in numerous production activities. In patriarchal societies, the
subordination status of women signifies look of employment. In the sense that they are
valuable to take part in the decision making process on unequal footing with men either
within the house or within the society at large (Holmes, 2008)

Women in economically advanced countries are in better condition than women in

economically less developed countries. In all developing countries the position of women in
relation to men is lower in level of literacy, year of schooling, nutritional status, health status
and decision making. Women controlled little portion of generating income from the
production, although they contributes the greatest share of the labour force for production.
(Holmes, 2008)

Gender can be defined as a set characteristics, roles, and behaviour patterns that distinguish
women from men socially and culturally and relations of power between them (women
information centre, 2005).These characteristics, Roles, Behaviour patterns and power
relations are dynamics; They vary over time and between difference cultural and subjective
meanings of gender (hirut,2004).

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Different studies indicated the low status of women in developing countries in gender and in
Ethiopia in particular (Almaz,1991;Hirut,2004;Mukuria et al.,2005).Lack of access to
productive resources such as land; lack of access to education, employment opportunities,
basic health services, and protection of basic human rights; low decision making; violence and
harmful traditional practices are some of the indicators of the socio-economic
marginalization of women in the country.

Such gender gap between men and women in socio-economic indicators has negative impact
on the overall development of the country in gender and on demographic and health
outcomes of individuals in particular. According to Kishor (2005), gender differences in
power, roles and rights affect health, fertility control over their bodies and sexuality, and
restrictions in material and non-material resources.

According to the Ethiopia constitution article 35 men and women have equal rights to
acquire, control use and transfer property and more specially they have equal right with men
in respect to the use, transfer, administration and control of land. But this constitutional case
interpreted and exercised in different localities in different issues. For various reasons
women tend to be discriminated in terms of benefits.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Gender inequality refers to unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals based on their
sex. People tend to believe that women and men are naturally different. This refers to natural
difference in the relative physical strength of the sexes. It arises from differences in socially
constructed gender roles as well as biologically through chromosomes, brain structure and
hormonal differences. The socio economic system and local administrative structure favour
male ownership. The women lack property right, (land est.) and they also lack access to and
control over resources and there have had negative consequences on families. For instance,
in casual work in order to get on income for survival. (Mary, 2008).

The society constructed gender based discrimination which looks at the way to organic and
shares in to particular groups of women and men. These shaping happens through every day
interaction that are usually taken for granted. For example, on the large scale social
institution such as family, school, the work place and Medea teach as girls should act in
certain ways, such as caring children while boys treated in different ways, such as being
strong and independent. These process of treatment, thus how to look is called socialization
and gender. (Mary. 2008)

Gender discrimination has its own impact on the income distribution. Its impact on income
distribution is observed through the engagement of the two sexes in different job type and

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status. This created one unequal distribution of income among men and women. Mostly
women are involved in low status work from which they turn low level of income. On the
other hand male are engaged in high status work that they earn high level of income those
creates unequal distribution of income between two sexes (Holmes, 2008)

In general most researchers such as (Sintayehu, 2015; Adugna, 2012), conducted in related
topic, but they cannot incorporate obstacles to women higher education in their studies there
for the study attempt to full fill this gap. On the other hand most of the studies have done
using secondary sources. But this study will be accomplished by using both primary and
secondary sources.

Moreover, gender discrimination has not only direct impact on development but it has
indirect impact through income distribution. Because it effect implication of income on
economic and social policy in the economy. There should be fair distribution of income
affected by gender discrimination.

1.2.1 Research Questions

 What are the major problems that influence gender discrimination in Bichena town?
 How to determine the percentage of discrimination in both private and public sector
employment in Bichena town?
 How to improve the income gap among two sexes in Bichena town?

1.3 Objective of the study

1.3.1 General Objective

 The general objectives of the research will be to show the impact of gender
discrimination on income distribution in Bichena town.

1.3.2 Specific objective

 To determine the major problems that influence gender discrimination in Bichena town.
 To determine the percentage of discrimination in both private and public sector
employment in Bichena town.
 To improve income among two sex in Bichena town.

1.4 Significance of the study

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 The study will be focus on the impact of gender discrimination on income distribution.
The study will be add some idea to existing literature on gender discrimination in
Ethiopia as a whole, and help to enlighten the concerned institution about the status of
the town. This study will be helpful to create awareness for the society about gender and
equality. In addition to this, the study will be :-

 Attempt to investigate the major problems faced by women in Bichena town which
hinder them from participation in economic activities.
 It would be used as reference materials for other researcher for those who went to
take research on that issue.

1.5 Scope of the study

The scope of this study will try to enclose the problems faced by gender which discriminate
them from participation on income distribution activities in Bichena town based on all the
available source of primary and secondary data. Gender issue is very wide concept quoted by
mainly economic, social and political institution.

This research will be cover gender discrimination and its income distribution in Bichena town.

1.6 Limitation of the study

The research limitation that expects to face will be:-

 Individuals reluctant to provides the necessary information

 Financial and time limitation might be hindering the researcher to conduct the
researcher in the required level.

1.7 Organization of the study

The research report will have organized in five chapters. The first chapter contains
introduction part of the research paper. The second chapter contains the literatures review,
the third chapter contains research methodology, the forth chapter contains data
presentation analysis part and the fifth chapter contains the conclusion and recommendation
parts.

CHAPTER TWO

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 2. Literature Review

2.1 Theoretical literature

Gender: describes those characteristics of women and men. Boys and girls that are socials or
culturally determined as opposed to those are biological determined. It rejects to the social
and cultural meaning being of male and female that includes social constructed roles,
responsibilities , activities and expectation by women and men themselves in a given society
or location. (Holmes, 2008)

While many people now believe that women and men are equal but we I within a patriarchy
societies who are still organized in ways that tends to benefit men more than women. These
societies largely controlled by men and in which men usually have a greater share as the
reward (both in terms of wealth and status) available. Even if they still benefit from living
within a men dominated society. (Holmes2008)

Sex: refers to wither a person is considered as female or male, based on the kind as body they
have. It refers to the biological difference between boys and girls (women and men).It is the
base for the difference in reproductive roles between two sexes .Sex difference are naturally
and should not affect women or men's life and careers ( mars. 2008 )

Discrimination: concepts of discrimination can be both direct and indirect forms. The direct
discrimination tends to focus on the individualized harms, whereas the indirect
discrimination focus on grouped based harm. This is not to say, however, that direct
discrimination happens only to individual or indirect discrimination happens only groups.
Distinction based overly on sex ethnic origins, impairment and soon may soon may farm part
of one employer's general policies. (Hunter, 1992)

The distinction between direct and indirect discrimination thus resides not in the number of
people who may be affected by practice or policy. But in how the practice or policy it
identifies being discriminator. It is the unequal distribution of power. Wealth, income, and
social status between men and women. Mostly women find themselves persistently denied
the same degree of access to social rewards and resources as men. Women are also exposed
to form of discrimination as well as ideologies cultural dominated values and learning roles
that induce them to accept their proper social place process known as socializations.

2.1.1 Causes of Discrimination against Women

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2.1.1.1 Inequality on Income Distribution
According to the sigh (2003) gender equality means that there is no discrimination on
grounds of a person's in the allocation of resources or benefit in the access to the services. It
might be measured in terms of weather there is equality of opportunities, or equality of
results. The elimination of all forms of discrimination against woman can be understood as a
statement on what the principles of gender equality opportunity should mean in practice for
all aspects of life, and all sectors of the economy. It means fairness and justices in the
distribution of benefits and responsibly between the two sexes. But gender discrimination
means to give differential treatment and structural discrimination against women in the
distribution of income access to resources and participation in decision making. (Singh, 2003)

The concept of human poverty sheds light on the relationship between gender inequalities
and poverty are more venerable to chronic poverty because of gender inequalities in the
distribution of income, access to productive inputs such as credit and over properly or control
over craned, as well as gender biases in labour markets resources allocation is often gender
biased within household as well as in the state and market institution. It is often state
women do not always have full control over their own labour or in the income they earn.
Men forbid their wives to work out sides the household or extract labour from women
through actual or threatened violence making hander for women to transform their
capabilities in to incomes or well-being while gender inequality reproduce the poverty to the
next they also have an impact on growth performance. (Sarah, 2003)

Poverty in Pakistan has historically been higher in rural areas and lower in the cities. Out of
the total 47 million living below the poverty line, while 35million living in rural areas. The
gender discrimination practice in Pakistan society also shapes the distribution of poverty in
the country. Traditionally gender roles in Pakistan defines the women's place as in the home
and not in the work place, and the man as the bread winner , consequently, the society
invests for less in women than men. Female literacy in Pakistan is 29 %compared to male
literacy at 55 %. In the legislative bodies women constitute less than 3% of the legislature
elected on general status. (Ibid)

Gender discrimination exist in family, marriage , child education , healthy and career
development in economic field and particularly in the employment a women is working more
hours earning less compared to men. Men are enjoying higher income and prestigious jobs,

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while women are usually assistants and having secondary jobs. Women are discriminated in
property rights. No women receive property from her father, brother and husbands. (Ibid)

Education plays vital roles in getting better employment but there are obstacles to women in
higher education, fewer girls are coming to college and university education and thus loss get
their jobs in the markets. There is employment because male domination, early marriage
discrimination against women in employment, native public opinion about women working
and the prerogative of male as decision makers. Thus gender discrimination in education and
employment leads to poverty and problems faced in poverty alleviation in the target area.
(Ibid)

2.2 poverty on incomes distribution

In some regions of the world, women predominated among rural urban migrants and may
even comprise the majority of the urban population. Few of these migrants are employed in
the formal sector, which is generally dominated by the men. As a consequence women often
represent the bulk of the informal sector labour supply working for low wage at unstable jobs
with no employer social security benefits. The increases in the number of single female
migrants have also contributed to the raising proportion of urban households headed by
women, which tend to be poorer experience tighter resources constrains and retain higher
fertility rates. (Tudors .2003)

2.2.1 Discrimination in the access to resources

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According to the Ethiopian constitution (article 41), every Ethiopian has the right to engage
freely in economic activities and right to equal to publically founded social services, the state
has the obligation to allocate every increasing resources to provide to the public health,
education and other social services and pursue policies which aim to expand job
opportunities for the un employed and the poor. Women are active in the variety of
economic areas, which they after combine ranging from wage labour and subsistence farming
and fishing to the informal sectors.

However, according to (Chandra, 1996) the optimistic review is that the spread as the
markets and economic growth provide power full force for improvement in the relative socio-
economic status as women. most substance economic are patriarchal and females are
enslaved with in male dominated households with little or possibility to scope and no means
to obtain independent excess to and control over resources. In the absence of economic
growth and the spread of the market system, they cannot gain independent power and so
there is no scope to improve their economic status (Chandra, 1996)

2.2.2 The Difference between Genders on Income Distribution

Different theories have been formulated and designed by different group among many
theories feminist frame work theory suggest that traditionally gender roles patters stressing
the differences between men and women, masculinity and feminists have been criticism by
many observers of American society since the 1960, including feminists. The genders roles
constrain under which men and women traditionally have lived have been revised
considerably. Many men also gaining the freedom to function outside the traditional
bounders of masculinity. Making this Profound change in life is a struggle, and it would be
difficult if not impossible for many people to go back to the traditional patterns. They have
worked to document the contribution women have made in the world. (John, 1999)

Feminists point out that although women have made countless contribution to culture and to
be human life, the omissions of these achievements from the historical records reflects the
low status in which women have been hold in society. Feminist point out these women have
been exploited, oppressed as a result their own experience feminist tend to be sensitive to
others oppressed people. In steady both man and women are accorded equally respected
values, which is to bring women equality with men in both indoor and outdoor activities.
(John)

2.3 Women in Development

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Women, especially rural women, are the core of development in African countries. One
striking characteristics of African women is the multiplicity of their role in development. Their
contribution to farming and wage activities their critical presences in marketing and the
contribution of food staff and their responsibilities as wives and mother combined to make
their role in the survival of the family and the society is the most important. The various
activities and responsibilities of Africa women have resulted in a complex and interrelated set
of need to which development programs must be addressed recognition of the role of women
in development is becomes very important that African nations have recognized the strengths
the needs of the indigenous agricultural system. It is imperative that locate food productive
must be improved if Africa is to feed the increasing populations. Therefore rural development
is inconceivable without the active participation of women. (Undo1995)

In rural Tanzania, found extreme discrimination access to nonfarm wage employment, which
was the highest return activity. However in rural area non-agricultural wage employment can
usually only be available to minority of women because it is only available to a majority of
men. Women are severally disadvantaged in the credit market they usually do not own
marketable land rights hence have no collateral and if subordinates in the household may
have no capacity to establish reputations for credit worthiness on independent agents.
Formal credit programs are usually channelled to household heads and are commonly based
on non-food crops in which men tend to specialize. It is very hard to see how these obstacles
in the credit market can be overcome except in the case of female headed households. It is
notable that whereas men predominates as borrower in both the formal and informal rural
credit market, women predominate in the informal saving market (Collier, 1998)

2.4 Empirical Literature

2.4.1 The impact of gender discrimination on poverty in Brazil

The effect of gender discrimination on inequality and poverty is analysed by comparing the
difference between male and female wage in labour market with and without gender
discrimination. The labour market participation and wage equations employed yield expected
and significant result in most case men displayed higher marginal effects than women for
important variable such as education or formal employment. This suggests difference in the
way wages are determined. The difference between men and women in terms of the hourly
wages they receive for their primary jobs. The estimated difference counter factual
differences women were found to earn approximately 27% loss than men, not with stand the
systematic reduction of the wage gap. (Christina 1996)

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A comparison between the estimated and counter factual differences show that , the labour
market were to pay men and women on an equal bases according to their qualification and
occupational distribution the wage difference between the two would not be lower , but
would not be lower , but would also display a strong tendency to decline during the period in
questions. Nevertheless , it also reflect the distribution of production factors , such as the
higher average age of men or the higher number of women employed in low paying
occupation such as domestic labour . As a result of occupational segregation, approximately
17% of working women, since they possess a larger supply of other production factors
particularly education. (Ibid)

When gender discrimination was removed from the labour market, per capital income
generally rise by 6.8% and gin coefficient fell by an average of 0.7%. The difference between
estimated and counter factual per capital income may be understood as the adjustment that
would require neutralizing the effect of wage discrimination. During the period study (1992 -
2001), 21% of the countries metropolitan population on average, lived on less than half a
minimum wage, the gap between the average income of the poor and the poverty line was
eight dollars. Poverty dropped sharply during the mid-1990, mainly as a result a result of
economic growth and stable inflation. Which significantly reduced the effect of the
inflationary tax on the poorest member of the population? During 1990, discrimination in the
labour market becomes a significant factor in metropolitan poverty, eliminating such
discrimination would reduced the percentage of poor persons by an average of 20.5%. The
effect of discrimination also differs depending on the level of poverty in each region. An
analysis of per capital house hold income shows that. In relief and salvador in north eastern
Brazil, 42% of the metropolitan population lives below the poverty line. ( Smao , 1997 )

2.4.2 Gender Discrimination In Education In Pakistan, Tanzania And

Bolivia
By the gender discrimination in education in Pakistan only four in ten of Pakistan women
over the age of 15 can read and write, compared to 70% of men. This dramatic educational
disadvantage is the result of a deeply unequal education system. Although girls enrolment
rates a have improved the net rate at primary level is still just 60% compared to 72% for boys.
At secondary level the performance is even more appalling ( although the gender difference is
smaller): the net enrolment rate for girls is just 29%. Altogether, more than & million girls of
school age ( Primary and secondary ) are not in school. (GCE, 2012)

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Armenia also has the high level of female literacy 99% yet the data about school enrolment
and attendance make clearly that girls are far from getting a full education. In particularly, it
is worrying that the nate rate of girls enrollment at primary level in 2009 , at 80% was even
lower than at secondary level. Where it is 89% , in many regions in armenia , there are no
school and children have to walk up to seven kilometers to get schools. This can be extremely
dangerous especially in the winter months when wild animals may attack and many girls stay
home as aresult . (Ibid)

Traditionally and religious stereotypes demand that girls are marred off between the ages of
13 - 16 . Girls aged 18 and older are astral zed and considererd old maids or spinsters " age or
immoral " , which creates immense pressure for girls to level school and start families . In
Tanzania there are different kinds of the gender discrimination in education among the
others land owner ship girls and women education is severally affected by discrimination
against women with respect to access and acquiring land . In Tanzania provisions of equality
before the low customary lows and traditions have connived to women from assessing and
acquiring land . This denial of women economic independency and increase in thier
vulnerability often makes them unable to send their children , particularly girls to school. (
Ibid )

The one third of the women in the Tanzania more than 4 million women in total area not
literature. The net enrollment rate of girls at primary level if now an impressive 97%, slightly
higher than that of boys , but the rate transitions to secondary school is extremely low : just
32% in 2008 , compared to 40% of boys. The proportion of girls completing a full secondary
education was very low. This is 0.8% in 2010 . Almost the 1.2 million adolescent girls are out
of school. The pattern is repeated for women in adult and non formal education , with ony
55% making it to main streams school. (Ibid)

In Bolivia was one of the areas of gender discrimination in education especially against the
women . 13% of adult women in Bolivia cannot read and write , compared to just 5% of men ,
but there is some sign of progress in effects of education to young generations . The net
primary enrollment rate for girls is 94% . The report suggests that 94% rate of girls transitions
to secondary education. But the overall net enrollment rates for secondary education are
much lower just at the rate of 63%. In Bolivia violence , was one of of the significant problems
wich effect women and girls ability is no sufficiently protected and thier created a serious
crisis in education . 5% Of Bolivia women are the believed to have suffered physically,
psychologically or sexual redolence at the hands of men (Ibid)

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The study shows in Bolivia , there are at least 100 cases of sexual attacks on children at
school , every day . Until school guaranteed to be safe spaces for girls , this problem will
continue to have huge , impact on girls and women's education . ( Global campaign for
education 2012 )

Chapter Three

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3. Methodology

3.1 Descriptive of the Study Area

Bichena town is one of the grade three towns in the Amhara regional state. The town is
located north of Addis Ababa and south east of Bahir Dar. Astronomically, it is located
10.24⁰N-10.34⁰N latitude and 38.9⁰E-38.4⁰E longitude. Attitudinally, it is more of woina Dega
being located between 1480m-2400m above sea level. The topography of the town is gentile
slope. Currently Bichena town has 8 kebeles including the rural ones. The town obtained its
Municipality status in 1964 and it became a grade three town in 2010, after of its
establishment (Bichena town finance and economic development office, 2010).

Bichena town is the heart of Enemay woreda and is bounded by it in all directions. It has a
total land mass of 6945 hectares. The town has been experiencing rapid urbanization and
population size increase.

There are a number of projects carried out in the town of Huruta. In spring 2006,a project
called Self Help Huruts project was established with funding support provided by the
charitable foundation of the Irish Agricultural whole sale society. The project objective is to
increase agricultural production and productivity, increase farm house hold incomes,
improve access to social services and restore the natural resource base of the district .

3.2 Data Type and Sources

18
The research have used both primary and secondary data to investigate gender
discrimination and its impact on income distribution. In addition , informal discussion was
made with some relevant government offices to get more information. In one way or another
, so as to assess available arrangement.

3.3 Methods Of Data Collection

Both primary and secondary data was collected for this study. The primary data was collected
from sampled household heads through semi structured questionnaire prepared for the study
and by direct observation . It was pre-tested on selected respondents so as to make
necessary modifications prior to its administration. Secondary data was extracted from
puplication magazine, unpuplished , journals , books , internet services and through
discussion with concerned expertise and officials.

3.4 Sample Design and Sample Size

Due to in sufficiency of resources like time , budget and other limitations to observe the
entire population, the researcher was selected the respondents of the questionnaires
through simple random sampling from two kebeles specifically and taking small group or
portion of the population . Stratified sampling is the technique wich dividing the population
into homogenous groups each groups containing subjects with similar characteristics. Hence
our population is heterogenous the study was classified the sample wich will be selected
bysimple random sampling technique and again classified our sample based on the sex of the
population (female and male ) through proportionate stratified random sampling techniques.

By using yamane formula ( 1967 )

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n =N/1+N(e)2

where n= Sample size required

N= Total population size

e= Margin of error (Level of precision )

From total population of Huruta town there are large numbers of house holds. Out of the
population of 16922 there are 2400 households. So the sample will be collected from the
whole targeted household populations wich were exist in Huruta town . The sample will be
calculated by using yamane formula in the following way with 90% level of confidence , 0.1
degree of variability and 10% level of precesion .

N = 2400

e= ±10% = 0.1 Where N = Targeted total household populations

n = required sample size

e = margin of error(level of precision)z

n = N/1+N(e)2

n = 2400/1+2400(0.1)2n = 2400/1+2400(0.01)

n = 2400/25

n = 96 ~ is the required sample size

After calculating the sample size by the above formula the targeted population will be
grouped into strata of male and strata of female by using aproportionate stratified sampling
techniques.

N= 2400 where, N= Total household populations

N1=1400 N1= Female strata

N2=1000 N2= male strata

P= proportion of the population

:- P1= N1/N = 1400/2400 = 0.583

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 P2 = N2/N = 1000/2400 = 0.416

n1= p1 × n :- 0.583 ×96 = 56 This shows the sample sizes from the strata of household

female populations

n2= P2 × n :- 0.41666× 96 = 40 shows the sample sizes from the strata of household

male populations.

n = n1+n2 = 56+40

= 96 - is the sample size

So the sample that will be calculated by above formula from both male and female strata will
be collected from two kebeles to compare the behaviour of those house holds.

3.5 Methods of Data Analysis

Descriptive statistics is one of the techniques used to summarize information ( data )
collected from a sample . By applying discriptive statics such as , percentages , graph , tables ,
frequency of appears ratio test. Descriptive statistics were computed and arranged in a way
that allow one to quickly comprehend their meaning .

CHAPTER FOUR

21
 4. Data Analysis and Presentation

4.1 Gender Discrimination in Huruta Town

Under this chapter the researcher tried to analyze the economic impact of gender
discrimination on women in Huruta town . Gender discrimination creates economically
inefficiency because it prevents equalization of male and female in different activities like
income generating activities ( labor market ) and etc . This inefficiency is shown directly
interms of paying lower wages for women but it also lower the economy's total output of the
surrounding area which in tern reduce national (country ) level output .

The following data analysis provides full information about the economic impact of gender
discrimination in Huruta town.

Table 4.1 The general background of respondents

Sex Number of respondents Percent

Male 40 42
Female 56 58
Total 96 100
source :- own survey ( year 2009 E.C)

The above table shows that among the total respondents 42% are male and 58% are female.

Table 4.2 Age distribution of the respondent

Age Male Female Total

22
 respondents respondents
Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage
20 – 25 6 15 9 16 15 15.6
26 – 30 10 25 18 32 28 29.2
31 – 35 12 30 13 23 25 26
36 – 40 7 17.5 12 22 19 19.8
Above 41 5 12.5 4 7 9 9.4
Total 40 100 56 100 96 100
Source : Own survey (2009 E.C)

The above table indicates that most male respondents (60%) are aged above 26 years and
most female respondents (55%) are between the age of 21 - 30 years and the remaining 45%
are above the age of 31 and below 21 female and male respectively.These indicate that most
of female respondents are in productive age than men, so these kinds of situation lead
female into informal sectors where they get low income as salary and other traditional
practice such as child/ early mariage practice on women when they have no job.

Table 4.3 Educational status of respondents

Educational Male Female Total

level respondent respondent
Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage
Illiterate 4 10 4 7.1 8 8.3
Primary 6 15 13 23.2 19 19.7
school
Secondary 7 17.5 17 30.4 24 25
school
Certificate 7 17.5 11 19.7 18 18.8
level
Diploma 9 22.5 7 12.5 16 16.7
Degree 7 17.5 4 7.1 11 11.5
Total 40 100 56 100 96 100
Source : own survey( 2009 E.C )

The above table ( table 4.3 ) indicates that there is 10% male and 7.1% female respondents
are illiterate.Among all respondents 13 female and 6 male respectively attended the primary
education. This represents 23.2% of the female and 15% of the male respondents. More over
7 male and 17 female respondents attended the secondary education. This represents 17.5%
male and 30.4 female respondents. Further more 9 male or 22.5% and 7 female or 12.5%
respondents attended at the diploma holder. Finally , there is 4 or 7.1% female at degree

23
respondents and 17.5% or 7 of the male respondents are degree holder. From this one clear
understand that educational level of respondents are various with the society between sexes.
Most of female are in the low educational qualification compared with male partners . These
situations directly affect the income level of women's.

Table 4.4 marital status of respondent

Marital Male Female total

status respondent respondent
Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage frequency Percentage
Married 15 37.5 20 35.8 35 36.5
Un married 13 32.5 11 19.6 24 25
Divorced 8 20 14 25 22 22.9
Widowed 4 10 11 19.6 15 15.6
Total 40 100 56 100 96 100
Source: Own survey (2009E.C )

The above table ( table 4.4 ) shows that 15 male or 37.5% and 20 female or 35.8%
respondentsare married. In addition 13 male and 11 female respondents are un married.
They represents 32.5% male and 19.6% female respectively. Among all respondents 8 male
and 14 female repectively grouped at divorced. This represents 20 for maleand 25 for female
respectively. More over 4 male and 11 female respondents are categorized as widowed.
Mirage is one of the basis of social formation and survival in wich males and females in house
has no equal right to decide connecting the wants responsibilities . Married women are
vulnerable to discrimination from their husbands. But the burden become triple
(reproductive , productiveand social work ) for the married women.

Table 4.5 Occupation of the respondents

Occupation Male Female Total

24
 respondent respondent
Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage
Farmer - - - - - -
Daily 6 15 17 30.4 23 24
worker
Private 11 27.5 9 16.1 20 20.8
employee
Public 8 20 12 21.4 20 20.8
employee
Public 9 22.5 8 14.3 17 17.7
business
Un- 6 15 10 17.8 16 16.7
employed
Total 40 100 56 100 96 100
Source : Own survey ( 2009 E.C )

The above table shows that there is no male and female respondents who are farmers.
Among the respondents 6male and 17 female respondents are daily workers and , 27.5 or
11male and 16.1% or 9 female respondents are private employee. And also 8 male and
12female respondents are puplic employee. However 9 male anfd 8 female respondents
occupy private business . Finally 15% or 6 male and 17.8% or 10 female respondents are un
employed. From the table one can see that those females who are daily worker, public
employee and un employed were significant than males.

Table 4.6 Current position in the society

Current Male Female Total

position respondent respondent
Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage
Society 12 30 30 53.6 42 43.8
member
Management 15 37.5 4 7.1 19 19.8
Committee - - 8 14.3 8 8.33
Control 8 20 8 14.3 16 16.6
committee
Other 5 12.5 6 10.7 11 11.5
Total 40 100 56 100 96 10
Source : Own survey ( 2009 E.C )

25
The above table 4.6 shows that 12 respondents of 30% of males and 30 or 53.6% of female
respondents are society members Among all respondents 15 male and 4 female
respectivelyare in the management commitee. This represents 37.5% of the male and 7.1% of
the female respondents. More over 8 respondents of both female and male are intended in
control commitee. This represents 20% of the male and 14.3% of the female respondents.
Generally the table illustrate that 53.6% of female respondents wich were a large majority
correctly hold small position in the society, when compare with male. The level of position on
management committee, control committee are also less than that of male respondents.

Table 4.7 Employement status of respondent

Item Male Female Total

responde responde
nt nt
Frequency Percentag Frequency Percentag Frequenc Percentag
e e y e
If you are
employed wich
part of work type?
A. Permanent 16 40 13 23.2 29 30.2
B. Contract 12 30 16 28.6 28 29.2
C. Daily worker 6 15 17 30.4 23 24
D. Un- employed 6 15 10 17.8 16 16.6
Total 40 100 56 100 96 100
Source: Own survey ( 2009 )

The above table indicates that 16 respondents of males or 40% and 23.2% female or 13
respondent are employed as a permanent. More ever 6 male or 15% and 17 female or 30.4%
responded as employed in daily work respectively. Finally , there is 6 male and 10 female
respondents who are un employed . From the table one can see that those female who are
employed in daily works were higher than that of males. Not only this but also the table
shows that those females employed in permanent work were smaller than males, because of
this they requires labour at lower cost. In this types labour market there is no job security as
well as that are paid lower than permanently employed. Therefore women are still now
discriminated in such kinds of employement condition than men.

Table 4.8 Cause of gender discrimination and respondents

26
n Item Male Female Total
o responden responden
t t
Frequency Percentag Frequency Percentag Frequenc Percentag
e e y e
1 Is there any
gender
discriminatio
n in your
occupation?
A, Yes 40 100 56 100 96 100
B, No - - - - - -
Total 40 100 56 100 96 100
2 Causes of
gender
discriminatio
n
Cultural 14 35 28 50 42 43.8
Capacity 18 45 16 28.6 34 35.4
difference
between
male and
female
Hierarchical 8 20 12 21.4 20 20.8
structure
that
different the
two sex
Other - - - - - -
Total 40 100 56 100 96 100
Source : Own survey ( 2009 E.C )

As indicated in the table above there is 40 male and 56 female or all the respondents
answered that there is gender discrimination in their occupational area. Further more, the
above table 4.8 indicates that 14 and 28 males and female respectively respond that couse of
discrimination in the study area were the cultural ( society's background ). And also the table
shows that 45% and 28.6% or 18 male and 16 female respondents support that couses of
gender discrimination in Huruta town were capacity difference between male and female (
attitudes of female ) . More over 8 male and 12 female respondents responded that the
couses of gender discrimination were the dominance (hierarchical different of the two

27
genders ) of male over females. Finally there is no male and female respondents in other
couses of gender discrimination.Generally the table illustrate that the social awareness about
gender equalities is not widen as little more individuals believes of gender equality that those
of not . Even if educational level of individuals increases their attitude towards gender
equality remains low .

Table 4.9 Income distribution in Huruta town ( Monthly income )

Income Male Female Total

distribution respondent respondent
Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage
0 – 600 - - 8 14.3 8 8.3
601 - 1400 9 22.5 23 41.1 32 33.3
1401 - 2300 17 42.5 16 28.6 33 34.4
2301 - 3500 8 20 6 10.7 14 14.6
Above 6 15 3 5.3 9 9.4
3501
Total 40 100 56 100 96 100
Source : Own survey ( 2009 E.C )

The data presented in the above table representing income distribution between male and
female clearly show income gap between the two sexes. In the low income level below 1400
per month high portion occupied by women 31 or 55.4% than men wich is 9 or 22.5 percent.
From the sample in high monthly income level above 1401 women represents 44.6% or 25
compared with men represents 77.5% or 31 respectively. This situation is created due to
hierarchical structure of labour market, more manager, instructors and decision makers are
occupied with men as compared with women observed inthe town. From this one can
understand that there is gender discrimination and income gap between two sexes.

Table 4.10 hindering factors for women participation in economic activities

28
N Item Male Female Total
o responden responde
t nt
Frequency Percenta Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage
ge
1 Is there
hindering
factor that
restrict
women?
A, Yes 40 100 56 100 96 100
B, No - - - - - -
Total 40 100 56 100 96 100
2 If yes wich
of the
following ?
A, social 8 20 12 21.4 20 20.8
role and
status
B, Cultural 12 30 20 35.7 32 33.3
rules
C, 8 20 10 17.9 18 18.8
Economic
level
D, All 12 30 14 25 26 27.1
Total 40 100 56 100 96 100
Source : Own survey ( 2009 E. C )

According to the information in the table 4.12 above , all of the respondents answered that
there are factors that restrict women from actively participating in economic activities. Most
male respondent wich represents 70% and female respondents wich represented as above
70% pointed out that all the social rules and status , cultural values and norms and economic
level of women are the factor that affect womens from being active participant in their
economic activities.

Table 4.11 Availablity and level of women participation in economic activities.

29
Item Male Female Total
respondent respondent
Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage
To what
level
women
participate
in
economic
activities
A, Very - - - - - -
high
B, High - - - - - -
C, 12 30 6 10.7 18 18.7
Moderate
D, Low 20 50 22 39.3 42 43.8
E, Very 8 20 28 50 36 37.5
low
Total 40 100 56 100 96 100
Source : Own survey ( 2009 E.C )

As indicated in the above table 4.11 in very high and high level both male and female
respondents answered that there is no women participation in economic activities. But at
moderate level 12 and 6 or 30% and 10.7% of male and female respondents respectivelly.
More over 20 male and 22 female respondents responded that there is low participation of
women in economic activities. Finally 8 respondents or 20% males and 28 respondents or 50%
of females responded that there is very low level of women participation in economic
activities. The absolute major of the respondents said that women have a very low level of
participation in economic activities . Therefore one can understand that although there is a
participation of woman in economic activities but , thier participation is below the required
level wich inturn reduces the protection of womens interest.

Table 4.12 Domination in decision making.

30
N Item Male Female Total
o respon responde
dent nt
Freque Percenta Frequency Percent Frequenc Percenta
ncy ge age y ge
1 Who dominates the
economic activities
between the two
genders?
A, Men 40 100 56 100 96 100
B, Women - - - - - -
C, Balanced - - - - - -
Total 40 100 56 100 96 100
2 If the economic
activities are
dominated by men
wich of the following
factors makes
women being
dominated
A, Income level of 7 17.5 10 17.5 17 17.7
women
B, Awareness level 13 32.5 18 32.1 31 32.3
of women
C, Low access to 5 12.5 8 14.3 13 13.5
resources
D, Attitude of the 5 12.5 6 10.7 11 11.5
society
E, All 10 25 14 25 24 25
F, Other - - - - - -
Total 40 100 56 100 96 100

Source : Own survey ( 2009 E.C )

As one can see from the table above 100% or all male and female respondents pointed out
that men are dominant in the economic activities.

With regard to the second item 7 male and 10 female or 17.5 % of both male and females
respondents responded that economic activities is dominated by men due to income level of
women. More over 13 male and 18 female respondents suggested that awareness level of

31
women is the major couse of women dominance by men and also 12.5% and 14.3% or 5 male
and 8 female respectively responded that the couse of dominancy of women by men are due
to low access to resources. Further more 5 or 12.5% and 6 or 10.7% of both male and female
respondents responded that attitudeof the society is the major couse of dominancy of
females by males. Finally 10 male and 14 female respondents respectively responded that all
of the above factors are factor for the females dominancy by men. Generally one can
understand that the absolute majority of respondents state that the domination of economic
activities is among men. This infers how much women members are ignored in interesting
area of economic function but it is impossible to say that women participation on economic
activities is not improved at all.

Table 4.13 responsible body to enhance women participation in economic activities.

No Item Male Female Total

responde respondent
nt
Frequency Percenta Frequency Percenta Frequen Percenta
ge ge cy ge
1 Who should be
responsible to
enhance
participation of
women
A, Men -
members only
B, Women -
members only
C, non- -
governmental
organizations
D, Various 8 20 15 26.8 23 24
management
bodies of
society
E, All are 32 80 41 73.2 73 76
responsible
Total 40 100 56 100 96 100
Source : Own survey ( 2009 E.C )

32
As its revised in the above table respondents were asked wether they can point out the
responsible body to enhance the participation of women in their economic activities. It is
obvious that women required enhancement to make them fully participants in the affairs of
economic activities. According to the information in the above table 4.13 significantly high
number respondents 80% of males and 73.2% of females answered that all are responsible in
enhancing women participation. However a few respondents 20% of males and 26.8% of
females responded that various government and non - governmental organization are
responsible to enhance the participation of women in their economic activities . From the
above information , it seems possible to conclude that every concerned person or
organizations are expected to engage in the enhancement program of womens participation
in economic activities.

33
 Chapter Five

Conclusion and Recommendation

The main purposes of this study are to identify the key issues that hinder active participation
of women in their economic activities. It also forward possible solutions that could help to
overcome those problems.

5.1. Conclusion
In Huruta town the percentage of gender discrimination in public sector employment is lesser
than the other employment sectors . This is because of the motive of the administration
structure to equalize the two genders and to participate equality in the economic
development of the country. In private sectors it is relatively higher than public sector . This
may be due to the hierarchical structures of the labour market wich discourages females as
subordinate to male private sector . These male private sectors have profit maximizing
motive at the expense of working groups . In the country also the structure of society
organization virtually place low status to females . In house hold level gender discrimination
depends on participation of the individuals on income generating activities outside the home.
If females participate in labour market their bargaining power of decision making concerning
their living increase other wise they are subordination to their male partners in the home
currently.

In country gender discrimination can also be seen in working conditions most of daily labors
are female in wich job security is very poor. On other hand a permanent employee wich high
job security and earning high income for the participants are mostly occupied by male
workers. Therefore there is an often low job opportunity female worker in labour markets.

Gender discrimination in the society is influenced by gender discrimination in the house hold
level. In the house hold usually male and female children , wives and husband have unequal
status . Wives are always subordinate to their husband. Property are usually registered ,
managed and controlled by husband. Wives are often passive in decision making process
relatively to the resources allocation in the house hold .

More over female have low status in the house hold. Also most female respondents wich
represent above 70% and male respondent wich represent 70% pointed out that the social

34
roles and status cultural value and norms and economic level are the factor that hinder
women from being active participant in their economic activities.

Generally, the work programe of many economic activities lacks flexible working time and
hours wich do not accommodate women's who had entangled in numerous work loads at
home. Thus much economic activities lack attention to the particular need of women in the
planning of various economic acuities. From the above mention problem of factors observed ,
the participation of women of the study area found to be low.

35
5.2 Recommendation
Since equality of gender through income distribution play an important role in the national
economy, it is therefore necessary to take some measures to the problems that affect the
performance of gender discrimination.

 Most of female are in the low educational qualification compared with their male
partners. Besides, education and training has tobemade more participative
therefore, any development agencies and otherdonors must give this area priority
and should provide sufficient funds to do so.
 There are many hindering factors that restrict women from active participation in
economic activities. Therefore precondition for long term authentic socio economic
development in general and women's active participation in particular was conducted.
 In country there is gender discrimination and high income gap between the two
sexes. Therefore gender division of labour wich undermines women from participating
in high income generating activities must be improved in such away by considering
office.
 Society's attitude to wards gender equality remains low therefore, any traditional
down look over women have to be removed through continues awareness creating
program.
 The management of economy in empowering the participation of women is low.
Therefore certain number of sector reserved for women in management and control
committees and constitute of women sub-committees with economic activities should
appeared.
 From the analysis of study area most of house holds income is generated and owned
by husband rather than wives. For this reason any development agencies and other
donors must gives sufficient funds that to participate and owning females in the
economic activities and equalizes with men as the same property owned.
 No responsible body to enhance the participation of women in there economic
activities, therefore every concerned person or organization are exploited to engage in
the enhancement programe of women's participation in economic activities.

36
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37