Factors influencing project sustainbility of women donor funded projects; a case of sauti ya wanawake organisation - Pwani

Abstract

Sauti Ya Wanawake Organization - Pwani (SYWP) is a local women’s movement based at the Kenyan coastal region, which started in 2001 with an aim for creating a safe space for women to discuss issues that are affecting them but more so as a forum that contributes to fighting for the rights of women and children. Having implemented the two projects between 2012and 2013, with main aim of ensuring peaceful general election and safety for women and to empower women politically 2013. This study seeks to determine sustainability concerns surrounding these projects in order to build a strong sustainability framework for current and future projects within the organisation.The study was guided by four research objectives; To determine the influence of women participation, management practices, donor trends and government partnership on sustainability of women funded projects. Review of relevant literature revealed that the stated factors are the main determinants to donor funded projects’ sustainability. However, little studies have been done to this effect especially with focus on women in Kenya coast. The descriptive survey design was used in this study because it is appropriate where the study seeks to describe characteristics of certain groups, estimate proportion of people who have certain characteristics and make necessary predictions. In this study the target population was about 1000 women who have benefited from SAFE and PIK projects. This study used the stratified sampling technique counties formed the strata, and then respondents were sampled randomly from each strata. The sample size used was 10% of the target population. Questionnaires and document analysis were used as the main tools for collecting data. Analysis and presentation of data was done on MINITAB and Ms excel. Out of the 306 questionnaires distributed in the two projects covered by the study, a total of 204 were returned but only 200 were used in the analysis. All the factors assessed revealed some influence on project sustainability. Management practices had the highest influence according to the agreement scale used, followed by donor trends then women participation. Government strategies had the least influence according to the study with mean difference between respondents agreeing and disagreeing being very minimal. Therefore, the study concluded that for projects to be sustainable, women participation must be enhanced. Management and donor policies must be inclined to adequately address women issues.