Gender Based Division of Labour and Rural Development in Ololulung' a Division

Abstract

This is a cross sectional and an exploratory study of gender based division of labour and rural development in Ololulung'a Division in Narok. Of interest in this study was the examination of gender-based division of labour manifestation in Ololulung'a, the interaction between gender based division of labour and individual participation in rural development and the effects of gender-based division of labour on the economic empowerment status of the Maasai women in Ololulung'a Division. Simple random sampling was used to select two locations within Ololulung'a Division where a sample of households was obtained purposively from the villages within the two locations. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain quantitative data from 100 respondents while 3 Focus Group Discussions were conducted to provide diversity of perceptions and opinions on community knowledge on gender based division of labour, the changing trends within Ololulung'a, the opinions of gender division of labour and individual participation in development in the community; and the linkage between gender based division of labour and women's empowerment. The key informant interviews were conducted to give insights into gender based division of labour, the interface between gender roles and people's participation in rural development. This study has shown that cultural norms and traditions are key contributors to the gender division of labour in Ololulung'a Division whereby the expected roles of men and women are customarily entrenched in the practices of the people. This has had an effect in determining what kind of properties men and women can own and access differentially hence affecting gender differential input in the development process in this community. In terms of workload, women x are found to do a lot of work compared to men however, a lot of what they do is not considered productive in nature since it is not compensated or recognized as key economic occupation in the community but generally classified as gender expectations based on cultural division of labour and roles. The study recommends that there is need for advocacy and sensitization of the community in Ololulung'a on the importance of giving women control over capital assets like livestock so that they become active partakers in the development of their community. This can be achieved through the local Provincial Administration and Non-Governmental Organizations in Ololulung'a Division through using the locally designed communication channels in the community like the council of elders, women groups and religious groups. Furthermore, there is need to increase non-collateral based finance options for women through the microfinance institutions coupled with adequate training on the management of sustainable small scale business activities to uplift women economically and diversify their participatory avenues in the development process. This can be done through the government bodies like community grants under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development.