WOMEN’S DOMINATING ROLE IN THE PROCESS OF DECISION MAKING: A STUDY BASED ON WOMEN’S BANK

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.