| dc.description.abstract | This study sought to assess the 'Factors influencing women's entry into politics and decision making' a case of Chonyi Division of Kilifi District. The interest to carry out this research was prompted by the fact that participation in politics is a way of life for all human beings regardless of their gender, religion or ethnic background, however politics , has predominantly been dominated by the male, despite the fact that women form a big percentage of the population and are the majority voters. Even with the global effort in encouraging women to participate (millennium development goals-gender equality and women empowerment), and neighboring countries such as Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda taking the lead, the situation in Kenya and more specifically in Chonyi is far from being a reality.
A descriptive survey research design was used to collect primary data in an addition to the secondary data. Pre-tested questionnaires were administered to women to test the viability and reliability of the same. The sampling was conducted using systematic sampling technique for the women and purposive sampling conducted for the key informants, who were mainly from the organizations that deal with women issues. Most of the information was descriptive and then presented in tables. Frequencies and percentages were used to determine the extent of factors influencing the entry of women into politics in Chonyi.
From the findings the entry of women into politics was still inadequate due to various factors among these were, education, social/cuJtural factors, economic and political factors and recommendations to address this situation include increased awareness to the community on negative social/cultural practices, and on the rights of women to increase women entry and participation, encourage girls to go to school in order to have an informed population of women that can confidently take up leadership positions. The government and NGOs should increase awareness on women participation in leadership through lobbying and advocacy and creating gender friendly policies.
Lessons learnt from other countries such as Rwanda, Sweden and the strategies they have successfully used can be borrowed and tried in the Kenyan case. Ratification of various treaties in support of women should be implemented and monitoring of the same done to make sure that women entered and actively participated in politics. More importantly, women should also aspire for political leadership and create a strong network among themselves that can be used to propel some of them into political leadership | en_US |
