The Status Of Compliance With The International Gender Related Legal Instruments In Africa: A Case Study Of Kenya
Abstract
This thesis explores how legal and policy framework have succeeded and failed to
address gender inequalities while taking note of the fact that Kenya is a signatory to multiple
international gender related legal instruments . This study‘s main objective is to analyze key
factors that contribute to the persistence of gender inequalities in Africa with particular focus on
education and politics in Kenya. The study‘s objectives have been achieved; firstly it has
examined the AU institutional and legal framework on gender in education and politics in Kenya
with a view to giving an accurate description of how AU mechanism operates in terms of
addressing gender inequality menace in Africa but specifically in Kenya. It is on this basis that
the conclusions based on data findings were derived and from the objectives, the study‘s
hypotheses were confirmed.
The study has reached several conclusions relevant to the topic under investigation;firstly
the nature of commitment on the part of the political leadership of the country is very key to
achieve gender equality.there is need for women needs to be captured in the development of
political policy,education must be made easily accessible to women to make them be empowered
fully and women must be considered for key decision-making positions so that they can push the
equality agenda with ease.
In analyzing data findings,the study has used feminist theory because gender issues and
more so gender equality fall squarely in feminist theory and specifically the liberal feminist
strand where the belief is that men and women deserve equality in all
opportunities,treatment,respect and social rights,therefore equality in education and politics is
very core to feminism and specifically liberal feminist thinkers. At policy level,the relevant
institutions should implement existing gender laws that seek to bring about gender equality in
Kenyan society,this study‘s findings should enrich and complement existing policy documents
for those who are directly involved in policy adoption,uptake or formulation,this will help inform
what measures or strategies can be used to address gender inequalities both in education and
politics.Academically,more research should be done in the area of gender and discimination and
findings made public to the implementing organs or institutions to make it easy for people to
have knowledge on gender issues.
Publisher
University of Nairobi