Stitching towards Empowerment: Exploring Empowerment of Women in an Embroidery Co-operative in Uganda. A Case Study of Tabiro Ladies' Club

In the developing world, women are more likely than men to work in poorly paid occupations in the informal sector. Women are responding to this inequality by joining co-operatives. Women-only co-operatives offer the opportunity for employment and empowerment. A case study approach on an unregistered, women-only handicraft co-operative located in the Mpigi District of Uganda was taken. The epistemological approach used was feminist standpoint, using Rowlands’ theory of empowerment as the analytic lens. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 members of the Tabiro Ladies’ Club. Key informant interviews, participant observation, and a feedback workshop also occurred. Members of the Tabiro Ladies’ Club experienced empowerment at the personal, collective, and relational level. Findings were supported by the interviews, key informants, participant observation, and the feedback workshop. Implications for the women include the development of agency, economic benefits, social benefits, and capacity development. Hindrances included economic struggles and being an unregistered co-operative.