A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the requirement s for the degree of Master of Science in Gender and Development Studies, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2012

Income generating activities are widely accepted among development practitioners as contributing to poverty reduction and empowerment of women. On the other hand, it is a contesting issue whether income generating activities really bring about positive cha nges in the positions of rural women in the household as well as society or not. The research study was conducted in three villages in Magway Township, Dry Zone in Myanmar. The study was carried out to examine how women's engagement in income generating activities have impacted their empowerment level and which types of income generating activities have more positive impact on women. The study was conducted with mixed method of qualitative and quantitative using tools such as household survey, key informant interview, focus group discussion, in - depth interview and participatory observation. Rural women in study areas were engaged in farming, livestock, sewing, vending, onion processing and casual wage labour. The effects of IGAs appear to vary acco rding to occupation and the degree to which the women are seen as bringing in significant income on their own (as opposed to working as part of the family, or bringing in very small amounts of income). It was found that at the individual level, women engag ing in farming, livestock, sewing, vending activities have positive effects in terms of economic independence, access to financial services, mobility, increased decision making, freedom in spending money and status at home. In spite of this, their voices a re seldom heard, and they rarely participate in public discussions. In contrast, women's engagement in dehydrated onion processing has brought about positive changes in their positions at individual level as well as their society in terms of economic inde pendence, enhanced their voice and recognition, personal hygiene. This is due to non - farm employment and trainings implemented by NGOs and as a consequence their relative substantial income they contribute. On the other hand, for wage labourers , the economic impact of income generating activities seems poor and as a consequence their participation and empowerment is very low. Wage labourers were poorest of the poor. This is due to lack of non - farm employment opportunities, livelihood skills and their low paid work. In all cases, NGOs might be able to act as mediators in empowering women by forming a group and assisting in the group{u2019}s sustainability in the long run.