Women Savings Groups and Household Welfare :

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the contributions of women's savings groups to household welfare, using a case study of selected women groups in Nyakayojo, Mbarara City Southwestern Uganda. The following were specific objectives of this study: To examine how the use of technology (mobile phones) by women's groups affects the well-being of their families; To find out how the ability of women's groups to adapt to changes (like high prices or new trends) affects their families' welfare; To determine how the leadership and management of these women's groups influence the wellbeing of their households. This study employed a qualitative case study research design adopting both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Key findings indicate that technology, primarily mobile money and communication tools, is not merely a convenience but a transformative force that directly enhances household welfare. It was also found out that a group's resilience is fundamentally tied to its adaptive capacity, which manifests through both financial and social mechanisms. The study further revealed that sound leadership, characterized by inclusive Decision-making and transparent Resource Management is the bedrock upon which all other group strengths are built. The study concluded by stating that technology is a powerful catalyst for welfare: The use of mobile money and digital communication tools by women's savings groups significantly improves household welfare by ensuring timely access to healthcare, securing educational continuity, enhancing income stability, and protecting savings. It operationalizes the financial inclusion advocated in Uganda's National Financial Inclusion Strategy.