CHALLENGES FACED BY WOMEN MEMBERS OF COUNTY ASSEMBLY IN MOMBASA COUNTY
Jane Ndunge Kyalo - PhD Candidate, African Women Studies Centre, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Dr. Dalmas Ochieng Omia - Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Dr. Lanoi Maloiy - Lecturer, African Women Studies Centre, University of Nairobi, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Africa has seen fast acceleration in female political representation as compared to the low rates that existed in the 1960s. In Kenya, women have traditionally been marginalized from the structures of state that determine political and legislative priorities. This study aimed at investigating the challenges faced by women in realizing their legislative and representative mandates in Mombasa County. The study adopted cross sectional descriptive study using qualitative data collection methods on 21 women Members of Mombasa County. Data was analysed NVivo 10 software and presented in inductive thematic approach. Challenges that women MCAs encountered stem mostly from their small number in leadership positions, negative community perceptions which make them lose their self-esteem, lack of unity amongst themselves, lack of clear understanding of what their roles entail in leadership positions and tribalism and nepotism that is rampant in appointments. The study concluded that women are faced with many challenges in the Kenyan community that is highly patriarchal. The community has not for a long-time embraced the fact that women can assume leadership positions and deliver. The challenges that they have encountered stem mostly from their small number in leadership positions, negative community perceptions which make them lose their self-esteem, lack of unity amongst themselves, lack of clear understanding of what their roles entail in leadership positions and tribalism and nepotism that is rampant in appointments. The study recommends that there is need for continuous investment in movements by women which includes logistical and organizational support in a bid to improve networks country wide.The study recommends that the women leaders should engage different Non-Governmental Organizations and financial institutions to support the women groups encourage all the women to join the social-economic groups and organize for training seminars to impart the women with entrepreneurial and business skills. In regard to the challenges that women face in realizing their legislative and representative mandates in Mombasa County, the study established women various challenges.
