ANALYSIS ON THE IMPACT OF  WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS ON THE SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT IN KENYA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Since the advent of the 17th century, women have actively engaged in advocating for their political rights. During the historical period of the French Revolution, a feminist movement emerged and was formed. The struggle for voting rights persisted throughout many generations, culminating in the acquisition of suffrage by women in nations such as the United States and Britain during the latter half of the nineteenth century. During the latter part of the 20th century, several nations saw the attainment of political rights by women, which were formerly exclusive to males. In 1952, the United Nations issued a declaration asserting the principle of gender equality in all electoral processes (United Nations Women, 2020). Politics refers to the range of actions that pertain to the process of decision-making within groups or other types of power dynamics among people. These activities include several aspects, including the allocation of resources and the establishment of social standing (Muhesibwe, 2017). According to Malewa's (2019) research, it is observed that women constitute a majority in terms of population, although they often encounter limited participation in decision-making processes pertaining to matters that directly affect them. This might be attributed to the fact that their involvement in political leadership remains significantly limited. According to the study published by the Inter-Parliamentarian Union in 2022, there has been an increase in the worldwide average representation of women in parliamentary bodies, which currently stands at 25.5%. The current achievement level is lower than the targeted objective of 30% established in the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action, which was expected to be reached by 2005. After the conclusion of the 2020 elections, there was a discernible rise of 0.6 percentage points in the representation of women in parliamentary bodies worldwide, in comparison to the preceding year.In the regions of Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as Europe and Northern America, the representation of women in legislative seats exceeds 30%. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the representation of women in parliamentary positions is at 26%. In the regions of Eastern Asia and Southeastern Asia, the proportion of women legislators amounts to 22%, while in Northern Africa and Western Asia, the same figure is at 21% in relation to women's representation in national parliaments. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2020), the representation of women in Central Asia, Southern Asia, and Oceania's parliamentary bodies is below 20%. Rwanda has gained international recognition for its notable achievements in women's parliamentary political engagement within the East African region. According to Lenox (2020), this country has the largest proportion of women lawmakers, with 56.3% representation. The implementation of a gender quota system in Rwanda has shown to be successful in augmenting the representation of women in political leadership positions. Following the 1994 genocide, in which the population consisted of 70% females, women were compelled to undertake societal duties that were previously assigned to males. By actively engaging in the process of formulating a new constitution and legislative frameworks, they advocated for enhanced political equity via the implementation of measures like as constitutional quotas and electoral quotas, aimed at securing women's representation in political decision-making (Muhesibwe, 2017). During the parliamentary elections held in Kenya in 2017, the representation of women in the parliament was limited to a mere 23 individuals. In the 2022 elections, there has been an observable rise in the representation of female Members of Parliament (MPs) in Kenya, as shown by the election of 29 women to the parliamentary body. A portion of the individuals in question are individuals who have just joined, but some have been reinstated via the process of re-election. Despite Kenya's commitment as a party to many international conventions and accords that emphasise the need of women's equal involvement in political leadership, women in Kenya remain excluded in the realm of leadership and decision-making (Karen & Sarah, 2017). The Kenyan Vision 2030, a strategic plan for national development, endeavours to transform Kenya into a newly industrialised nation by 2030. Additionally, it emphasises the essential role of inclusive decision-making including both genders in order to attain sustainable development. Women have a significant role in the advancement of societal progress. In every nation around the globe, women assume the predominant role as carers for both youngsters and elderly individuals. According to Lenox (2020), the transition of an economic and political structure within a society prompts women to assume a leadership role in facilitating the adaptation of their families to novel circumstances and obstacles. The historical significance of women in society has been pivotal in guaranteeing the stability, advancement, and enduring growth of countries. On a global scale, the proportion of women in the agricultural labour force is estimated to be 43%, with some nations seeing a higher representation of women at over 70% (Orisadare, 2018). In Africa, a significant proportion of agricultural output, namely 80%, is attributed to small-scale farmers, with a majority of these farmers being women residing in rural areas (Rahji & Falusi, 2015). The notion that agriculture may serve as a catalyst for economic progress and alleviation of poverty in emerging countries is generally acknowledged. Women, particularly mothers, have a predominant role in the process of making decisions pertaining to family meal planning and dietary choices. According to a research by the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (FAO/MAF, 2018), women tend to self-report a higher frequency of taking initiative in the preservation of child health and nutrition. Therefore, the researcher sought the impact of  women participation in politics on the societal development in Kenya.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The subject of women's involvement on a global, regional, and local scale continues to be a topic of sensitivity and concern. In the context of Kenya, it is noteworthy that the female population constitutes just over 50% of the total populace, so representing a significant component of the human resource pool (Karen & Sarah, 2017). Nevertheless, the available evidence suggests that their involvement in social development is constrained, largely due to their underrepresentation in top managerial roles within public institutions and in the spaces where policies that impact them are devised. Similar to other pastoral regions, Turkana is mostly characterised by traditional practises and customs. Women are often recognised for their role as labourers, mostly inside the confines of their houses. They are typically engaged in activities related to both work and family, such as livestock production, cultural practises that entail child-rearing, and the performance of other domestic responsibilities. The pursuit of education and employment opportunities for women and girls continues to provide significant challenges, with little progress being made. Consequently, women, on the whole, have continued to experience financial deprivation and impoverishment. In the region of Turkana Central Sub County, which is characterised by significant urbanisation and abundant socio-economic prospects, women professionals face challenges in accessing opportunities and overcoming the prevailing male dominance and favouritism, despite the presence of numerous female-friendly businesses. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that forthcoming advancements in initiatives aimed at fostering the empowerment and involvement of women in the spheres of local, regional, and national development, coupled with the provision of facilitators such as financial resources, security measures, fair competition, comprehensive training, and advantageous circumstances, will afford women the opportunity to make substantial contributions to the progress of society (Anno and Pjero, 2021). The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of women's involvement on social development in Turkana Central Sub-County, located in Turkana County, Kenya. The findings from this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of how women's empowerment and participation in development, as well as broader economic transformation, can be implemented, replicated, and further explored through future research and development efforts. Hence, the study analyze the impact of  women participation in politics on the societal development in Kenya.

1.3       Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to analyze the impact of  women participation in politics on the societal development in Kenya. The specific objectives is as follows

i.                    Examine the extent of womens participation in politics in Kenya.

ii.                  Assess the factors limiting women participation in politics and on the societal development in Kenya.

iii.                Determine how women participation in politics can improve the societal development in Kenya.

1.3 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study

i.          What is the extent of womens participation in politics in Kenya?

ii.        What is the factors limiting women participation in politics and on the societal development in Kenya?

iii.      How can women participation in politics can improve the societal development in Kenya?

1.4 Significance of the study

The findings of the study will be significant to the political elite in Kenya as it will reveal the need to involve more women into the political scene of the country so as to help with the societal development. As women have been seen to drive development no matter where they are placed to serve.

The findings of the study is significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.6       Scope of the study

The study focuses on  the impact of  women participation in politics on the societal development in Kenya.Hence, the study will examine the extent of womens participation in politics in Kenya, assess the factors limiting women participation in politics and on the societal development in Kenya and determine how women participation in politics can improve the societal development in Kenya.

1.7       Limitations of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8       Definition of terms

Political participation: voluntary activities undertaken by the mass public to influence public policy, either directly or by affecting the selection

Societal development: a process in which a society increases its various capital stocks across social, economic, and environmental capitals.