| dc.description.abstract | This was a census study targeting micro finance institutions in Kenya registered with the Association of Microfinance Institutions as at 3151 July 2007. The objective of the study was to determine the factors that influence women upward mobility within the MFIs Sector establish the factors. Data was collected using self administered questionnaires which were given to those in top management, where top management included those in the Board and Sectional Heads. Two questionnaires were filled per MFI ensuring where possible equity on gender. The findings of the study, is that few women are on top management positions in the MFIs Sector in Kenya. The following were also identified as the factors that influence women's upward mobility within the MF! sector:
Traditional values, women's own attitude, lack of creativity amongst the women, lack of awareness of opportunities that exist in the sector and the age of the sector within Kenya.
There are a number of factors that have previously been identified as factors that influence upward mobility of women. From this study the some of the factors such as education, un supporting husbands, and women's mult-roles have been identified as non issues. That is to say they no longer play critical role in affecting women upward mobility.
The representation of women in top management within the MF! sector is very low as compared to that of men. The MFIs which have women in the top management are few. The reasons that may be attributed to this low representation include the fact that this is a young sector that is emerging and therefore has not been attractive. The other factors that have been identified include male domination of the sector, discriminate laws and policies, lack of awareness amongst the women of the existing employment opportunities, organizational and technical environment of the sector. | en |
