| dc.description.abstract | This paper discusses the gender roles in a dairy value. It builds from an assumption that women
are confined in the lower levels of the value chain where daily routine work is performed and no
income is realized at these levels while men are mostly involved in the higher levels where
income is generated for example in the sale of milk. A part from being confined in the levels
that do not generate income, women are also not allowed to share equally in the proceeds despite
their active involvement in most of the activities along the dairy value chain. This is because
their contribution is not visible by the other stakeholders in the industry. From the research, there
is evidence that women are being recognized as equal players and their roles being recognized.
Women are now engaged in activities that generate income like selling of milk.
The paper also looks at how the society looks at the various activities along the dairy value chain
in terms of cultural beliefs, taboos and other restrictions and how these beliefs impact on the
gender roles in a dairy value chain. Research showed that there are some men who do not do
certain activities because it is a taboo in their culture. Others felt that some jobs are demeaning
and therefore, not fit for them.
In terms of decision making, women are actively involved since they are in joint ownership of
property with their husbands. This is an improvement from what was previously known where
women were seen as property custodians and not owners.
The paper makes a conclusion that women’s roles in the society are being recognized and
appreciated and suggests that more opportunities and resources should be given to women to
achieve gender equity in a dairy value chain. | en_US |
