| dc.description.abstract | This study examines some of the factors influencing
women's political participation in Kenya by focusing on
women's participation In civic and parliamentary elections
in Kibera division of Nairobi. It also examined the
political structures and institutions that affect women's
participation in electoral politics and processes.
Research was carried out in Kibera Division in Nairobi. A
total of 154 respondents were purposively selected and
interviewed for this study. Library research was also
carried out to supplement primary data sources. Data
elicited from respondents were electronically analysed
using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences
(SPSS)
The findings of the study were that, although women
constitute about 52.2 per cent of the population and are a
majority of the voters, they have been unable to
participate fully in the electoral process. For instance,
women occupy only 3.2 per cent of the total seats In
parliament, while Since independence in 1963, only one
women has been appointed a Cabinet Minister (1996).
The study
strides In
finds that, although women have made great
some areas such as education (where they have
achieved 60 per cent literacy) and in development
activities, they still lag behind in
participation, where they largely
positions. This has immensely
terms of political
occupy subordinate
undermined their
contribution to determining the political destiny of the
Kenyan society.
Certain factors that affect the participation of women 1n
political. processes were identified. These exist at the
household, community and national levels. A major factor
is the lack of empowerment, as women are denied equal
access to most resources such as education and property.
The most inhibiting factors to
participation are rooted in culture
attitudes, economic inequities, access
women's political
including social
to education, and
poor incomes. It was evident from the study that active
political participation is
expenditure, while the most
politics is a male domain.
associated with high
that
be
popular attitude was
Women should basically
homemakers. Poor educational achievements among most women
was found to be a key contributory factor to their low
participation a n political processes. It determines to a
large extent their voting behaviour including effective
networking for political ends.
Low income was cited as another major factor hindering the
participation of women in politics. Active political
participation is associated with high expenditure and
therefore requires one to have a good income in addition
to other financial sources.
The major recommendations of the study are that first, a
review of legislative policies addressing gender
imbalances in all areas of society including politics as
they negatively impact on women needs to be undertaken.
The issues to be considered here include affirmative
action and quotas for women seeking political positions.
Secondly, there is a need to train women on
entrepreneurship and income generation, .in order to
empower them financially. Issues pertaining to property,
access and control of produce in relation to women should
be addressed through the formulation and implementation of
appropriate economic policies that target women.
Thirdly, attitudes towards women should be addressed
through community education and sensitization. This can be
done through rigorous C1V1C educational programmes, which
should not only be the responsibility of the civil
society, but that of the government as a sign of positive
political commitment.
Fourthly legislative measures should be put in place to
address gender imbalances: These should include the
scrapping of anachronistic laws especially those touching
on inheritance and property rights which directly or
indirectly oppress women. This can be done through the law
reform processes. The current initiatives, for example,
the Task Force on Laws Affecting Women is a positive step
in this direction.
Finally, further research should be carried out on women's
political participation. As demonstrated in the study most
research in this area address theoretical issues regarding
the subject. There is therefore a need for empirical data,
as a basis for designing practical intervention programmes
to address the problems exposed by the study. | en |
