Gender inequality in Kenya is real. The problem of gender inequality still prevails in almost all spheres of life despite the many efforts by the government to try to achieve gender parity in all spheres. The major reason why this situation has prevailed is due to the complexity of the concept of gender equality and the fact that it has received minimal attention. Gender equality should go beyond being perceived as ‘sameness’. In reality, majority of the Kenyan women and girls are facing the problem of inequality and discrimination.
This paper tries to evaluate the efforts made by the Kenyan government in achieving gender equality. In addition, it seeks to look at the gaps that the government has left out leading to the current situation where there exist educational disparities, social, cultural and economic. It will also look at the efforts by the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in bringing gender parity. Lastly, this paper proposes several interventions that need to be put in place in order to achieve gender equality.
Table of contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
1.2 Problem Statement
1.3 Contextual Theories and Frameworks
1.4 Study objectives
1.5 Significance of the study
1.6 Chapter summary
2.0 METHODOLOGY
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Research design
2.3 Study population
2.4 Data collection
2.5 Chapter summary
3.0 FINDINGS
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Factors affecting gender equality in Kenya
3.2.1 Education sector
3.2.2 Employment sector
3.2.3 Gender Roles in Society and School Participation
3.2.4 Gender Based Violence (GBV)
3.2.5 Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
3.3 Kenyan government progress towards SDG #5
3.3.1 Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act
3.3.2 The New Constitution
3.3.3 The National Gender Equality Commission
3.3.4 The Women Enterprise Fund (WEF)
3.3.5 Enactment of legislations and policies
3.4 Role played by men in gender equality
3.5 Role played by the non-governmental organizations
3.5.1 Gender based violence programs
3.5.2 Prevention of sexual exploitation
3.5.3 Menstrual hygiene programs
3.5.3 Employment opportunities for women
3.5.4 Women in Power and Decision-making
3.5.5 Human rights and women
3.6 How Kenya compares with her neighbors on gender issues
3.7 Chapter summary
4.0 DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSION
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Analysis of the state of the Kenyan girl child and women through the CST and IHD lens
4.2.1 The dignity of the human person
4.2.2 Community Participation
4.2.3 Rights and Responsibility
4.2.4 Option for the poor
4.2.5 Solidarity
4.3 Recommendations
4.4 Conclusion
Objectives and Research Focus
The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the extent to which Kenya has achieved gender equality in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #5, while identifying existing gaps, challenges, and successful interventions. The study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the progress made by the government and non-governmental organizations, ultimately proposing strategic recommendations to enhance gender parity in the country.
- Assessment of cultural, political, economic, and religious factors affecting gender equality.
- Evaluation of constitutional provisions and legislative milestones regarding gender rights.
- Documentation of the role of civil society and NGOs in championing gender equality.
- Analysis of educational disparities, including school enrollment and retention rates for the girl child.
- Examination of the impact of harmful cultural practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriage.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2.5 Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is one of the most controversial rites of passage in many African societies. It is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and 15 years, although adult women are also affected. FGM includes procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM is a surgical procedure conducted on female genitalia that is usually done without anesthetics or clean tools. The proponents of this painful and torturous procedure argue that it reduces or terminates a woman’s sexual feelings during intercourse. This ensures that she does not experience pleasure, thereby lessening her desire for extramarital sex. However, the procedure has no health benefits for girls and women, as such; it is a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It is estimated that more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. In Kenya, the prevalence of FGM is high. For instance, over half of the girls in Pokot community have under gone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
The propagation of this procedure is facilitated by a combination of cultural, religious and social factors within families and communities. Within the Pokot community, FGM is often considered a necessary part of bringing up a young girl properly and a way of preparing her for marriage. Once a girl undergoes FGM, they are deemed ready for marriage, forced to drop out of school and married at a very tender age. This interferes with their integral human development in voluminous ways.
Summary of Chapters
1.0 INTRODUCTION: This chapter establishes the foundational definitions of gender and equity, outlines the problem statement focused on SDG #5, and presents the theoretical frameworks guiding the research.
2.0 METHODOLOGY: This chapter describes the research design as a descriptive study and details the secondary data collection methods used, including reviews of academic, civil society, and government reports.
3.0 FINDINGS: This chapter presents a comprehensive analysis of the factors hindering gender equality in Kenya, evaluates government progress, and discusses the critical role of NGOs and specific programs.
4.0 DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSION: This chapter synthesizes the findings through the lens of Catholic Social Teachings (CST) and provides actionable recommendations to further national progress toward gender equality.
Keywords
Gender Equality, Kenya, SDG #5, Female Genital Mutilation, Education, Women Empowerment, Governance, Human Rights, NGO, Social Justice, Catholic Social Teaching, Policy Reform, Gender Based Violence, Vision 2030, Economic Disparity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research project?
The research evaluates Kenya's progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal #5, which centers on gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.
Which specific areas of gender inequality does the paper highlight?
The paper covers disparities in education, the employment sector, the impact of gender-based violence (GBV), harmful traditional practices like FGM, and women's access to land and economic resources.
What is the main objective of the study?
The goal is to analyze the effectiveness of government interventions and NGO efforts in addressing gender gaps and to propose strategies to overcome systemic challenges.
What methodology does the author employ?
The study utilizes a descriptive research design based on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of secondary sources, including government policies, academic journals, and reports from international and civil society organizations.
How is the main body of the research structured?
The main body investigates factors affecting gender equality, documents government milestones like the new Constitution and Vision 2030, and analyzes the role of NGOs and men in the movement toward gender parity.
What key terms define the scope of the study?
The study is characterized by terms such as gender equality, FGM, social empowerment, legislative reform, and integral human development.
How do Catholic Social Teachings (CST) feature in the discussion?
CST provides a moral and ethical framework in the final chapter to analyze human dignity, community participation, and the preferential option for the poor in the context of the Kenyan girl child.
What does the author conclude about the status of the Kenyan girl child?
The author concludes that the girl child faces multiple intersectional challenges, including early marriage and educational barriers, which must be addressed to ensure meaningful social and national development.
- Citation du texte
- Joel Njiru (Auteur), 2018, Gender Equality in Kenya. Challenges in finding an appropriate strategy, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/925751
