The Role of Sudanese Development Association (SDA) in assisting the Working Women in the Informal Sector in Khartoum State

Abstract

This study was carried out in seven Khartoum popular markets covered by The Sudanese Development Association’s projects. This study aimed to study the development programs offered by the SDA such as revolving fund (saving and credit), training courses, science tours internal or external country and build permanent place that to measure the social and economic changes which happened to the SDA’s women beneficiaries related to poverty alleviation. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher used the descriptive approach in data analysis and social survey as a method of research. The secondary data were collected from books, scientific papers, researches and reports. The primary data were collected by using the questionnaire technique , personal interviews and observations. 82 women beneficiaries were randomly selected 30 from Khartoum, 30 from Bahri and 22 from Omdurman popular markets. Data was analyzed by frequency distribution and percentages. The findings of the study showed that the beneficiaries were not able to sustain the attained success of the projects that following to SDA, in spite of the fact that co-operative societies for women working in fields of foods and drinks in seven markets in Khartoum state were established by SDA, registered in the Humanitarian Affairs Commission (HAC), the executive committees were trained and were monitored by SDA before they were handed over the projects to operate themselves. The study reflected, that most of SDA’s beneficiaries were not able to increase their income after they joined the SDA projects that related to some reasons, whereas some of them used the credit to pay for their children school fees, rehabilitate or build their houses, utilized money to meet household needs and some of them established failed enterprises. Perhaps the most benefits of the iv beneficiaries have been concentrated on their increased awareness for their rights and how to solve their problems by discussion. The study revealed some constrains faced by the beneficiaries in the markets such as the harassment (Alkasha) by the market authorities for health cards and commercial license, misbehavior of customers , the damaging actions of street-boys scattered in large numbers in the market areas, the beggars, the high government fees and small amount of capital. The study will recommend some institutions to offer their services to the beneficiaries:- * Sudanese Development Association:- - Continuous follow-up of the saving and credit program (select the poorest beneficiaries to receive the credit, monitor the method of repayment of the credit). - Increase support to the beneficiaries by big amount of credit to increase the capital and establish profitable projects. - Organize the training courses in suitable places and suitable times that to support the beneficiaries to follow their works through learn math, reading and writing. - Also do rehabilitation for the existing restaurants which following to SDA and to build restaurants in other markets. - Co-operative shops should be established and operated in the markets. - form union of organizations under SDA supervision as a serious attempt to alleviate poverty among the working women in the markets. v * Local Authorities:- - The study recommends to decrease the governmental fees that considerate to women economic status. * Ministery of Health:- - Offer free health services through health insurance program.