Factors Influencing Women Participation in Economic Development Projects: a Case of Women Enterprise Fund in Kilome Constituency, Makueni County, Kenya

Abstract

Women form an important part of the economic development matrix of nations and continue to lack access to and control over resources, the purpose of this research therefore was to identify and examine the factors influencing women participation in economic development projects in Kilome Constituency in Makueni County. This study was guided by the following objectives: To assess the influence of cultural practices on women participation on economic development projects in Kilome constituency, in Makueni county; to assess how gender suppression influence women participation on economic development projects in Kilome constituency, in Makueni county; To determine how technological skills influence women participation on economic development projects in Kilome constituency, in Makueni county and to establish how levels of education influence women participation on economic development projects in Kilome constituency, in Makueni county. This study adopted descriptive survey design, with sample population being beneficiaries of the women enterprise fund and management of the fund in Kilome constituency in Makueni County in Kenya. A target population of 1550 consisting of women beneficiaries and fund managers who had attained legal age to undertake economic project (18 years and above) were considered for the research study. A sample size of 310 respondents was selected based on Krejcie and Morgan formula. Cluster sampling was utilized by selecting households from Kilome constituency and individual respondents picked using simple random sampling. Fund managers were picked from the Women enterprise fund using purposive sampling. Questionnaire and interview schedules were used as data collection instruments which were distributed and collected after being filled. Data from the questionnaires was then summarized, coded, tabulated and then analyzed. Editing was done to improve the quality of data for coding. Coded data was then entered into statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22. It was established that; cultural practices; property ownership, early marriages influenced women involvement in economic projects while FGM and widow inheritance had minimal influence. Respondents indicated that they were being sidelined .Their ideas not taken into consideration and only a small % hold senior position in economic projects; technological skills; women had gained marketing skills over time, a moderate opinion generated on women management of their finances while they also actively seek leadership skills. Individual level of education contributed the level of position held, their performance in economic development projects. In conclusion the study recommends development of mechanisms and legislation to regulate socio-cultural factors; advocacy and championing for more women to take leadership positions and establishment of umbrella body to empower women to participate in economic development projects.