Contributions of Governmental Micro Projects in Enable for the Breadwinner Woman

(A Study Applied on A sample of Beneficiaries from the Ministry of Social Development)

Abstract

This study investigates the contribution of government-supported small-scale enterprises to the economic and social empowerment of female-headed households. It adopts a descriptive research design and employs a sample-based social survey methodology. Data were collected through a researcher-developed questionnaire administered to a simple random sample of 84 female household heads who were beneficiaries of small-scale enterprise projects administered by the Ministry of Social Development in the West Bank. The most important findings of the study: Government-supported small-scale enterprises made moderate-to-high contributions to the economic empowerment of female household heads. Their contribution to strengthening women’s economic capacities was high, reaching 83%, whereas their contribution to meeting beneficiaries’ needs was moderate, at 77%. Their contribution to improving living conditions was likewise moderate, at 77.6%.The contribution of government-supported small-scale enterprises to the social empowerment of female household heads was high. Their contribution to self-actualization and family stability was high for both dimensions, reaching 85.3%, while their contribution to strengthening beneficiaries’ social status was also high, at 85%.The most important recommendations of the study: In light of these findings, the study recommends strengthening government financing policies by simplifying access-to-finance procedures, expediting approval processes, and providing loans and grants that correspond to the nature of small-scale enterprises and the particular needs of female household heads, thereby mitigating financial constraints. It further recommends the development of specialized capacity-building programs in financial planning, project management, digital marketing, resource management, and market analysis.