Research/academic paper

Profile of Women’s Socio Economic Status in Kenya

“This study presents a socio-economic
profile of women in Kenya. The analysis shows that there is low female representation in post primary education, formal employment, enterprise ownership outside wholesale and retail trade, and political decision making processes. Gender inequalities can be attributed to limited access and control over productive resources, access to financial services, insufficient access to education, lack of skill, limited access to technology, cultural impediments and other constraints limiting employment options and participation in decision making. All these serve to seriously constrain women’s ability to effectively participate in and benefit from economic development. The overall objective of the study is to assess status of women in Kenya and provide baseline data and information on
profile of women in the economic processes. The fact book will go a step further and explain policy interventions that need to be put in place in order to reduce gender disparities. The specific objectives are as follows: a) Provide an assessment of the socio-economic profile of women in Kenya b) Analyse impact of gender related policies in Kenya c) Identify barriers to general women wellbeing in the country d) Identify policies and interventions for enhanced participation of women in development
and e) Identify areas for further research on women matters.”