| dc.description.abstract | The Conceptualisation of Gender, perspectives on gender discourse:
Gender and constitution making in Kenya
The term gender became popular in the late 19805 as a replacement for women and
development. Gender is a social construct that asserts that the expectations and responsibilities of men and women are not always biologically determined. Advocates of
the gender approach point out that the term easily accommodates race, class, ethnicity,
and male and female power relationships. (Snyder and Tadesse 1995: 14).
Gender role differentiation is structurally and culturally defined in ways which
create and reinforce relationships of male dominance and female subordination.
For instance, ideas of what patterns of behaviour and activities are appropriate or
inappropriate for women and men are largely social and cultural in origin and they
are acquired through the socialization process. From the time children are born,
they are socialized into different roles on the basis of sex. They are rewarded when
their behaviour is seen as sex appropriate and ridiculed or reprimanded when they
deviate from the established culture norms (Were, 1991:1).
This paper examines the concept of gender from an African perspective, indeed, it
aims at highlighting those issues that influence the lives of women and men particularly those that serve as constraints in enabling women and men to realise
their full potential. lt argues that the concept of gender needs to be redefined. As
it is now, gender seems to be associated only with women’s issues.
Heinrich Boll Foundation, East and Horn of Africa Region. Nairobi
Wilfred Subbo (2002)
The Conceptualisation of Gender, perspectives on gender discourse:
Gender and constitution making in Kenya
The term gender became popular in the late 19805 as a replacement for women and
development. Gender is a social construct that asserts that the expectations and responsibilities of men and women are not always biologically determined. Advocates of
the gender approach point out that the term easily accommodates race, class, ethnicity,
and male and female power relationships. (Snyder and Tadesse 1995: 14).
Gender role differentiation is structurally and culturally defined in ways which
create and reinforce relationships of male dominance and female subordination.
For instance, ideas of what patterns of behaviour and activities are appropriate or
inappropriate for women and men are largely social and cultural in origin and they
are acquired through the socialization process. From the time children are born,
they are socialized into different roles on the basis of sex. They are rewarded when
their behaviour is seen as sex appropriate and ridiculed or reprimanded when they
deviate from the established culture norms (Were, 1991:1).
This paper examines the concept of gender from an African perspective, indeed, it
aims at highlighting those issues that influence the lives of women and men particularly those that serve as constraints in enabling women and men to realise
their full potential. lt argues that the concept of gender needs to be redefined. As
it is now, gender seems to be associated only with women’s issues.
Heinrich Boll Foundation, East and Horn of Africa Region. Nairobi
GENDER TRAINING IN AND RESOURCE MANUAL- Wilfred Subbo (2002) - Institute of African Studies
Why a Christian Gender Manual
The Church plays a pivotal role in contributing to a world where justice, peace, truth,
freedom and solidarity prevail, a world where God reigns. Thus the Church is
committed to protecting the dignity of women like any other human being. These
include elimination of gender-based discrimination, exclusion and violence among
others. Addressing gender is translating the Christian message of love of neighbor into
action. This manual will guide users to address gender imbalances in the light of
Christian virtues-the Social Teaching of the Church and to plan for active peace-building
that will bridge the Gender Gaps and harmonise relations between women and men of
God. It will assist development workers of the Kenya Episcopal Conference – Catholic
Secretariat in particular and Church Organisations in general, to plan for interventions
that will correct gender imbalances and lead to more equitable and sustainable human
development. This manual is primarily meant for Catholic Development Workers and
Trainers. It is envisaged that this manual:
• Provide a comprehensive training for gender trainers that also takes into account
vital African and theological perspectives.
• Help promote gender awareness thus increasing he empowerment of the Family
of God – both women and men. | en |
