Participation of women in socio-economic development: Selected cases of somali Regional State, Ethiopia

In the historical evolution of mankind, woman has been an economic partner to man, besides her biological and social roles. It is said that it was the woman who discovered the possibility of domesticating plants for food and beginning the rudiments of hoe-culture. It was so when man was in the hunting and gathering stage, since then through agricultural and industrial revolutions. She has been an economic partner in the family of man. She started the enterprise of food cultivation and later adapted bartering the food articles for other necessities of life. In the recent past, the increase in women education, industrialization, urbanization, social and occupational mobility, the emergence of nuclear families, westernization, politic-social movements and changes in the value system, many educated women have taken to certain careers. Some compelled by economic necessity, have taken to small business and trade (settee, 1985). The researchers have taken up the Study through Women Empowerment office in Jigjiga city to know how the participation of women in socio economic development is taking place. The researchers went with some questions with the Interview Guide and interviewed some women who are actively participating in the business activity and taking care of their families. This resulted in case studies.