Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to assess the Practice, Challenges and Opportunities of women in decision making process in Woreilu Woreda. Even though there was nomination of women in government positions, there was no practical application of political power and decision making process in each government sectors and position in the study area. To bring a solution for this problem, first identifying the major challenges and then exploring opportunities for women in decision making process. Relevance review literatures also major component to support and strengthen the study. The researcher planned to use mixed research approaches and sequential explanatory research design. Sample size and sampling techniques were appropriately selected to fit with the research objectives. In this study the sample size was equivalent with target population due to it is small. Then 149 respondents would be taken as sample size based on comprehensive sampling techniques. After sample size determined purposive sampling was taken as in order to select respondents for interview and questionnaire. 10 key informants for interview selected from women and children affair office, speaker of woreda council and kebele representatives of people whereas 7 members selected for focus group discussion from pool sectors those were civil servant office, women and children affair office, justice office and court of institution. The major data collection instruments planned to use for the purpose of this research were primary data source such as observation, interview, questionnaires, and focus group discussion whereas document analysis involved from secondary sources. The collected data would be analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statistics. In this tool such as tables, graph, percent, mean and standard deviation were involved. The findings from the study revealed that the current status of women practice in decision making process is challenged by different factors which come from different dimensions. Social attitude, women commitment, culture of men domination, and practice of government policy were listed under the major problems. The finding indicated that there were a few women only politically appointed and represented in top government sectors and they are powerless in decision making process. As the study shown women lived under the control of men decision makers. Based on the finding some recommendations were stated. As a general, the study shown practical and behavioral change as well as cultural reform over women inequality from the government up to each individual is very important opportunity for empowered women in decision making process.