Abstract:
The cooperatives were not financially sound to address women financial request and as the study indicated, the
majorities of multipurpose agricultural cooperatives have no modality and internal regulation which are approved
by the general assembly to support and motivate women members. Due emphasis must be given for the
empowering areas of women in multipurpose agricultural cooperatives. financial limitation, uncomfortable rules
and Regulations, reluctance of directives, Willingness of women to support, Government support, Opinion of men
for women etc. are the major challenges which were observed for empowering women. The study covered the
North Gondar Administration Zone with different representation of the multipurpose agricultural cooperatives.
As far as sampling is concerned, based on the accessibility and livelihoods zones, five districts namely Debark, East
Belesa, Quara, Chilga and Metema districts were taken purposively. The household survey from 274 members of
5 multipurpose agricultural cooperatives in five districts, documents reviews, key information interviews,
observation and focus group discussion were the important data collection techniques that were used. Different
analytical techniques ranging from descriptive statistics to institutional analysis were used. As a recommendation,
attention must be given to continuous awareness creation, due emphasis for motivational areas, internal and
external financial sources, modality and internal regulations, invitation of women to participate in their
democratic rights and business activities. Finally, the observed challenges must be resolved for empowering them.
