Factors Influencing Female Refugees’ Participation in Economic Empowerment Projects in Kenya: the Case of Hias Refugee Trust of Kenya, Kayole Office, Nairobi County
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Date
2016Author
Matheka, Margaret M
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
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The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing female refugees‟ participation in economic empowerment projects offered by refugee agencies. HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya (HRTK), a humanitarian agency which provides protection, livelihoods, psychosocial support and durable solutions to refugees in urban areas of Kenya, was chosen as the case for the study. HRTK has four offices within Nairobi County, namely: Mimosa Office, Kawangare Office, Eastleigh Office and Kayole Office. The study was conducted using a sample drawn from Kayole Office. The specific objectives of study were as follows: Firstly, to examine how socio-cultural factors influence women refugees‟ participation in economic empowerment projects. Secondly, to examine how economic factors influence women refugees‟ participation in economic empowerment projects. Thirdly, to determine how political factors influence women refugees‟ participation in economic empowerment projects. Fourth, to establish how strategic planning influences women refugees‟ participation in economic empowerment projects. The study was meant to help various stakeholders involved in the refugee crisis – such as the Kenya Government, UNHCR, ACRWC and CWAK– in formulating and implementing policies that will help in bringing long-lasting solutions to the problem of refugees. The study used descriptive research design.A total of 73 respondents and 5 interviewees from HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya was used as the sample for the study. The study also employed the use of purposive random sampling where only those respondents and interviewees who were knowledgeable about the issues under investigation were selected. Data was collected using primary sources through the use structured questionnaires, interview guides and observation checklist. The data that was collected was subjected to both quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques, where quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS and presented in the form of APA tables, while qualitative data was analyzed in terms of thematic grouping and content analysis and presented in terms of generalized statements. The data was then summarized in order to draw conclusions, propose recommendations and make suggestions for further studies. Based on the analysis of information presented, the study found out that socio-cultural factors, economic factors, political factors and strategic planning have an influence on the participation of female refugees in economic empowerment projects, though at varying degrees. The study also found out that there is a significant positive relationship between the above-mentioned factors. Some of the results of the study include the following: most (87.4%) of the respondents said that they have been involved in HIAS‟ economic empowerment projects, 11.6% said that they have not been involved in such projects, while only 1% said that they were not sure if they have participated in such projects before. Also from the study findings, most (97.1%) of the respondents agreed that socio-cultural factors have an influence on the participation of female refugees in economic empowerment projects, while the rest (2.9%) were of a contrary opinion. Similar views were shared by all the interviewees. The study therefore recommends that: there is greater need for all stakeholders involved in the global refugee issue to work towards the attainment of sustainable global peace as a long-term solution towards the refugee crisis; there is need for the management and staff at HRTK to put more effort in creating awareness on issues pertaining negative cultural stereotypes against women refugees and inequitable political opportunities for such women; it will be more beneficial to adopt a more coordinated approach amongst various key stakeholders involved in the refugee crisis as a means of mitigating any possible negative effects or influence that might be created by socio-cultural factors, economic factors, political factors and strategic planning
Publisher
University of Nairobi