Tangaza University, Nairobi, Kenya

Email: suzyanong3@gmail.com

Abstract: The aim of study was to examine the predictors of women entrepreneurial initiatives among Lotuko community in Juba, South Sudan. The study was anchored on the theory of Entrepreneurship. A cross-sectional design was used in the research. The target population was 100 registered women entrepreneurs in Lotuko, Juba City. A non-probability sampling techniques was used to sample 100 registered women entrepreneurs. Questionnaires were used in data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as measures of central tendencies and dispersion with the use (SPSS) version 25. The analyzed data was presented using frequency distribution tables. The qualitative data was presented in verbatim form. It was found that women participation in entrepreneurship has been affected by the cultural beliefs and traditions in Juba. Finding also indicated that cultural differences among the Juba communities greatly affect the women entrepreneurship initiatives and development. South Sudanese women feel discriminated in terms of accessing loans and finances from financial institutions thus hinder their entrepreneurial initiatives whereas the infrastructures of the country are available to promote women owned enterprises in Juba. Finally, woman take the initiative of identifying business opportunities and ideas in the environment of Juba City. The study further suggests that the role of women in the economic wake up of the country is very key and thus government needs to give strong support financially, in terms of entrepreneurial education and favourable policies that protect women against male discrimination in business. This will ensure a steady growth of communities and the Country as a whole.

Abstract: The study assessed women participation in rural development and its contribution towards the education of Maasai girls in Simanjiro district. Specifically, the study aimed to determine the influence of this participation on education access among Maasai girls and investigated the strategies to improve women participation in community development to enhance education access for Maasai girls. The study was guided by the social capital theory. The study adopted the convergent design and targeted a population of 149,536 individuals including public secondary school students, teachers, ward executive officers and women in Simanjiro district. The sample of the study included 100 participants who were selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. The study used questionnaires and interview guides as tools for data collection validated by three experts in the field of women rights advocacy. The tools were pilot tested in two schools involving six students and 4 teachers. The reliability was ensured through split half method where the reliability coefficients (0.93 for teachers’ and 0.88 for students’ questionnaires) were obtained. The study found out that women involvement in community development positively influenced girls’ education by advocating for educational resources and policy changes. It was concluded that increasing women participation in community development could enhance education opportunities for Maasai girls. The study recommended addressing cultural barriers, raising awareness about gender equality, implementing education and training programmes for women and encouraging inclusive dialogue to enhance women awareness of their rights and legal protections.

Abstract: The study examines the progress and challenges encountered in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) particularly goal five – Gender Equality, focusing on women’s representation in leadership in a university setting. The study centers on Mountains of the Moon University (MMU), investigating the current status, identifying barriers, and proposing recommendations for advancing women’s participation in leadership roles. We applied interpretivism approach anchored on a case study design. We purposively chose middle and senior women holding or had held leadership positions at MMU. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 16 women in leadership positions at MMU. We thematically analyzed data guided by themes on representation, policy promotion and implementation and outstanding challenges faced. The study reveals a significant underrepresentation of women in top executive roles at MMU, with women holding only about 15% of the university’s executive board positions despite constituting 25% of department heads. Women are more prevalent in humanities and social sciences faculties than in STEM disciplines, reflecting broader gender disparities across academic fields. Institutional policies promoting gender equality exist, but their inconsistent enforcement poses challenges, indicating a need for more robust implementation. Lack of mentorship programs and cultural barriers hinder women’s progress, emphasizing the importance of tailored support mechanisms and inclusive policies for advancing women in leadership roles. The study recommended development and enforcement of robust gender mainstreaming policies across board, mentorship programs, active support for gender equality initiatives and leadership development programs tailored specifically for women.

Abstract: This study investigated poverty’s impact on the socio-economic status of women living with HIV in Malawi: A case study of Mchinji district hospital. Female vulnerability in Malawi is a huge factor in the incidence and prevalence of the disease across the region and a woman’s socio-economic status (SES) frequently plays a substantial role in increasing her risk of being HIV positive, especially for women in the low socio-economic categories in Malawi. The objectives that guided this study were: to determine the influence of household income on the socio-economic status of women living with HIV, to evaluate the consequences of unemployment on the socio-economic status of women living with HIV, to examine the relationship between education level and socio-economic status of women living with HIV and to identify how household characteristics affect socio-economic status of women living with HIV at Mchinji district hospital. Findings showed that these women face poverty and income generation challenges, resorting to risky behaviours. Unemployment increased their financial burdens. Education played a role in critical thinking and preventing further infections. Household characteristics influenced family and HIV-positive women. Recommendations include economic interventions, scaling up programs for caregivers, households, orphans, and communities, and involving workers in HIV policies and programs.

Abstract: With the rapid increasing population, Kenya is faced with a critical challenge of food production, unemployment and poverty. In recent years, the country has implemented agricultural development programmes especially those led by women through government and donor funding. However, for different reasons these women-led development projects have produced mixed outcomes. This study, therefore, sought to assess the effect of relationship building strategy on the sustainability of women-led development projects in Uasin Gishu County. The study was anchored on Social Network theory. The study applied descriptive research design. The target population was 386 women led enterprises registered with Ministry of trade in Uasin Gishu County and are implementing agricultural projects from Kesses and Turbo sub-counties. Using Krejcie & Morgan (1970) table of sample determination, the research recruited 412 respondents spread across the two sub-counties. Proportionate sampling helped the researcher to research 226 respondents in Kesses sub-county and 186 respondents in Turbo Sub- County respectively. Simple random sampling technique was used to interview the 412 respondents in the two sub-counties. Data was analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics and presented in form of mode, mean, standard deviation and correlation since there are more than two variables. Whereas inferential statistics was done by testing linearity and normality regression. Based on the findings of this study, the study concluded that the network building and recruitment of donors influenced sustainability of women-led development projects. Network building and recruitment of donors enhanced sustainability of women led project. The study recommended that relationship building strategy with network building and recruitment of donors should be used to enhance sustainability of women led project.

Abstract: Globally, women development projects have played a significant role, especially in developing nations. However, for different reasons these women-led development projects have produced mixed outcomes. This study, therefore, sought to examine how organizational management strategy influences sustainability of women-led development projects in Uasin Gishu County. The study was anchored on social network theory. The study applied descriptive research design. The target population was 386 women led enterprises registered with Ministry of trade in Uasin Gishu County and are implementing agricultural projects from Kesses and Turbo sub-counties. The unit of analysis was top three officials of the women-led enterprises. They included the chairperson, secretary and treasurer. Using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table of sample determination, the research recruited 412 respondents spread across the two sub-counties. Proportionate sampling helped the researcher to reach 226 respondents in Kesses sub-county and 186 respondent Turbo Sub- Countyounty respectively. Simple random sampling technique was used to interview the 412 respondents in the two sub-counties. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in form of mode, mean, standard deviation and correlation since there are more than two variables. Whereas inferential statistics was done by testing linearity and normality regression. From the findings of the study, the researcher concluded that Organizational Management Strategies influenced sustainability strategy. The study recommends that leaders should avoid challenging goals and targets as organizational management strategies to influence sustainability.

Abstract: The need to visibly engender women’s participation in decision-making became a growing global concern through the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Despite the Kenyan 2010 constitutional provisions for gender mainstreaming, little has changed. This study sought to examine the level of women involvement in gender mainstreaming policy implementation on decision making in Baringo County. The study was guided by Equity Feministic Theory by Sommers (1994). The study used cross-sectional survey design and mixed method approach. The target population was 2446 respondents comprising of employees, members of the County Assembly and Members of the Public Service Board. The sample size was based on Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample size determination to arrive at sample size of 329 respondents. Questionnaires, Interview guides and FGDs were used to collect data. Reliability was determined through test-retest approach. The quantitative data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean and Standard deviation. Pearson Correlation and linear regression analysis were employed to determine relationship that exists between the independent and dependent variables. Qualitative data were thematically classified and arranged before they were reported in narrations and quotations as per the research objectives. The study found out that there was a significant positive correlation between gender mainstreaming policy implementation on women political representation and women governance (r = .581; p = .000). The study recommends that there is need for streamlining of women appointment to senior positions in the county to allow for efficiency and inclusivity in governance.

Abstract: Global advances have been made towards the recognition of the principle of women’s political, socio-economic and equity in governance. However, some counties, including Baringo have not fully implemented the gender rule as provided for in the Kenyan 2010 constitution, hence little has changed. This study sought to analyze the influence of gender mainstreaming policy implementation on women political representation in Baringo County Assembly. The study was guided by Equity Feministic Theory by Sommers (1994). The study used cross-sectional survey design and mixed method approach where both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis approaches were utilized. The target population was 2446 respondents comprising of employees, members of the County Assembly and Members of the Public Service Board. The sample size was based on Krejcie and Morgan (1970) where a sample size of 329 respondents was attained. Questionnaires, Interview guides and FGDs were used to collect data. The quantitative data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean and Standard deviation. Qualitative data were thematically classified and arranged before they were reported in narrations and quotations as per the research objectives. The study found out that there was a significant positive correlation between gender mainstreaming policy implementation on women political representation and women governance (r = .581; p = .000). The study recommends that there is need for streamlining of women appointment to senior positions in the county to allow for efficiency and inclusivity in governance.

Abstract: Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is a harmful practice that violates the human rights of women and girls. Despite global efforts to restrict the practice, there have been few reports on major positive changes to the problem. This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy interventions in eradicating FGC practices in Marani Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya. The study was guided by the theory of Reasoned Action. This study used a quasi-experiment design. The researcher used cluster sampling to identify 200 households and purposive sampling procedures, to identify 13 key informants for the study. The study used questionnaires, key informant interview and focus group discussion to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. In this context, quantitative data was analyzed quantitatively. Qualitative data (words/propositions) was analyzed descriptively. The study revealed that stress, stigma, isolation, and marital problems were main psychological effects. Findings from this study concludes that in spite of various interventions, FGC is still an ongoing practice within the Gusii community with women and health professionals being the main perpetrators. The study recommends an adoption of alternative rites of passage to eliminate the practice. This can be possible through the re-socialisation of community members to change their negative tradition for the psychosocial wellbeing of the girl child.

Abstract: In Kenya, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGC) is a cultural practice that is widely practiced. Despite interventional efforts to end FGC, progress has been limited both in preventing it and caring for girls and women who have already undergone the cut. The practice has persisted, albeit with some changes. This study sought to examine the place of women in the implementation of FGC interventions on the psychosocial wellbeing of the girl child in Marani Sub-County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the step change theory. The study used interviews and questionnaires to collect qualitative and quantitative data. In this context, quantitative data was collected using questionnaires, analyzed quantitatively. Qualitative data (words/propositions) was collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and analyzed descriptively. The study revealed that stress, stigma, isolation, and marital problems were main psychological effects. Findings from this study conclude that FGC is an ongoing practice within the Gusii community with women and health professionals being the main perpetrators though its practice has reduced drastically compared to previous years. The study recommends an adoption of alternative rites of passage to eliminate the practice. This can be possible through re-socialisation of community members on the need to change this negative tradition for the psychosocial wellbeing of the girl child.