Influence of Gender Role Expectations on Gender-Based Violence among Women of Reproductive Age in Turkana County, Kenya
Kaaman Phibia Erot, James Sankale and Violet Simiyu
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya
Email: phoebeerot@gmail.com
Abstract: Gender-based violence remains a major public health and human rights concern, with cultural beliefs and practices shaping gender relations and women’s vulnerability to violence. This study examined the influence of gender role expectations on gender-based violence among women of reproductive age in Turkana County, Kenya. The study was anchored on Radical Feminist Theory and Cultural Theory. The study adopted a mixed-methods research approach and employed a convergent parallel research design. The target population comprised 430 participants, including 400 women of reproductive age and 30 key informants. A sample of 230 participants was included, comprising 200 women selected through simple random sampling and 30 key informants purposively selected based on their knowledge of gender relations, cultural practices, and gender-based violence. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Version 29 through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings showed a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between gender role expectations and gender-based violence (r = .647, p < .01). Restrictive expectations concerning male authority, women’s domestic responsibilities, and female autonomy were associated with increased vulnerability to violence. Qualitative findingssupported the quantitative results, indicating that women who challenged prescribed gender roles could experience conflict, social sanctions, or violence. The study concludes that restrictive gender role expectations significantly influence gender-based violence and recommends interventions that promote gender-equitable roles, shared decision-making, and women’s autonomy.
