dc.description.abstract | This study examined the effects of civic education (CE) on women’s political
participation in Gatanga Ward in Gatanga Constituency namely: political knowledge, political
trust, political interests and political efficacy. The literature reviewed was in line with women
political participation, political knowledge, political trust, political interests and political efficacy
all of which were geared towards achieving enhanced women political participation. The main
objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of civic education (CE) on women’s
political participation. To achieve these objectives, Primary data was collected through use of
close ended questionnaires from a random sample of 246 Gatanga Ward women from different
social classes, age and levels of education. The researcher consulted the supervisor and other
experts from the University of Nairobi to ascertain that the questionnaire was valid and measured
the variables in the study. The study was prompted from issues raised by the community on
women political participation in Gatanga Constituency. The target population was 3527 women
who were registered as voters in year 2010.The study was a descriptive survey research that
investigated the extent to which civic education affects women’s political participation in
Gatanga ward. The populations were all the women who were registered voters in Gatanga ward.
Systematic random sampling was used to sample 246 women from different social classes, age
and levels of education in this study. The Morgan and Krejcie table was used to arrive at the
sample size. The data collected was edited, coded and analyzed using statistical package for
social sciences. Data was analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. Results of the study
revealed that the majority of respondents support women’s political participation in public life in
the society. Also, women’s supported the right of women to have equal educational
opportunities, as well as equal participation in civil societies, volunteer societies, and political
participation. Finally, empirical results were that civic education was associated with women’s
political participation. The study recommended that civic education should be carried out to
sensitize women on their role in politics and participation in other leadership positions. It further
recommended that women should be considered for political appointment at the County and
National level to facilitate gender balance. | en |