Determinants of Women’s Participation in Community Development Projects: a Study of Pastoralists in Kajiado Central Constituency

Abstract

The issue of women and development has been the subject of discussion for quite a while all over the world. Women do not participate in financially remunerative activities due to many factors. According to a report done during the first women’s conference held in Mexico in 1975, women do not fully participate in development activities and consequently, more women are poorer than men, illiteracy levels are high among women than men, they are denied basic rights and face discrimination. The participation of women in community development projects is faced with many challenges and thus the main objective of this study was to investigate determinants of women participation in community development projects. The research was guided by the following objectives: to examine the role of education on women participation in community development projects, the influence of socio-cultural factors on women’s participation in community development project, to examine the role of husbands in their wives participation in community development projects and to investigate the role of political factors on women’s participation in community development projects. The study was carried out in Kajiado central. Data was collected from a sample of 91 women who were members of women groups and 7 key informants. The collected data was coded, entered and analyzed using the SPSS version 17 computer software. Data was presented using tables to make them reader friendly. There were ethical issues related to the study and they were addressed by maintaining high level confidentiality of the information volunteered by the respondents. Findings indicate that existing community development projects, education level, culture have positive influences the level of women participation. The study found that women were not recognized in matapato either in leadership in a community project or an elected political office and this hinder level of community development. Additionally, women groups that were looking for empowerment through workshops were more organized by non-governmental agencies. The challenges identified included: male dominance, lack of education and lack of women empowerment. The study concluded that socio cultural factors, husband support and political factors played a major role on participation of women from matapato in community development projects. The study recommends that the government should partner with other organizations to organize more workshops to sensitize the community on the importance of allowing women to participate on development of the community. The study further recommends that there is a need to undertake further studies of community development projects which women are participating and others which men are participating in comparison to their efficiency operations.