Abstract:
Rural women play a significant role in supporting their households and
communities in providing food and nutrition security, caring for children
and elderly, generating income, and improving rural livelihoods and overall
well-being. Most often, playing their roles, special attention goes to their
decision-making process and resource allocation. In the midst of extensive
literature written around various aspects of women’s life, there seems to be
vacuums waiting to be filled by Women’s bankers telling their stories of how
they make decisions and resource allocation. In light of this, the study
investigates how women are involved in the decision-making and resource
allocation processes achieving the maximum output in the context of Sri
Lankan Women’s Bank collectives. A literature review, thematic analysis, in depth interviews, and observations are used to achieve the study's goals. In depth interviews with ten rural women affiliated with the Sri Lankan
Women’s Bank provided primary data. The qualitative data were analysed
and organised topically with specific goals in mind. As per the investigation,
the study found out that in the decision-making process, leading the team is
mainly done by the team leader, and controlling depending on the mutual
trust of team members. Furthermore, Women’s Bank equitably allocates
resources among their members as the way of satisfying all needs and
requirements of team members. As per findings, women dominate the
process of resource allocation based on team working and agreements.
