Abstract:
The main aim of the study is to recognize the challenges and opportunities of women working in weaving cultural clothes specifically at kebele 14 in Bahir-dar city. The study employed a qualitative research method and used case study research design. The study participants were selected using purposive and availability sampling techniques. Firstly, data were gathered through semi-structured interview fourteen participants; secondly, through focus group discussion two group of participants who are eight participants both sides and lastly, over and done with four key informant interview and its until data got saturated. The data were analyzed using thematic data analysis techniques. The findings of the study revealed that women weavers of cultural clothes faced various challenges including socio-cultural problems such as lack of social prestige, lack of environmental comfort, lack of communication and distance of work place. They face psychological problems like inferiority and physical problems such as fatigue/tiredness. Also, economic problems such as lack of weaving materials, financial difficulties, and lack of modern technology hamper progress. This all problem will cause their product to be ineffective. However, there all were a lot of women challenges in weaving dresses, they have opportunities and benefit in weaving cultural clothes. There are opportunities like institutional support, availability of training, social networking, tax waiver and equal payment. Such things motivated them in weaving cultural dresses. When coming to their benefits such as source of revenue, work freedom, work skill and social happiness. It helped them improve their life and their family livelihoods. Generally, based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made. Women, Children and Social Affairs Office of the Kebele should understand the challenges women who are engaged in weaving cultural clothes, the kebele should provide the necessary facilities for their weaving. They have managed to build relationships to work with NGOs like Aggar organization at Zanzalima and textiles organization to address their challenges especially concerning lack of materials, absence of toilet and lack of water services.