Factors Affecting Women’s Economic Empowerment in Mbeya Urban, Tanzania

This study examined the factors affecting women’s economic empowerment in Mbeya Urban, Tanzania. Specifically, the study analysed the influence of access to financial services, education and entrepreneurial skills, and access to productive resources on women’s economic empowerment. A quantitative cross-sectional research design was adopted, and data were collected from 100 women engaged in small and medium economic activities using structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive. The findings reveal that access to financial services significantly enhances women’s ability to start and expand businesses, while education and entrepreneurial skills improve business management and decision-making. In addition, access to productive resources such as capital, land, and markets was found to have a strong positive influence on women’s economic empowerment. The study concludes that women’s economic empowerment is multidimensional and depends on the integration of financial, human, and material resources. The study recommends improving access to affordable credit, expanding entrepreneurship training programs, and strengthening women’s access to productive resources to enhance sustainable economic empowerment in Tanzania.