Effects Of Gender Inequality On Women Economic Empowerment In Chuka Igambang’ombe Constituency, Tharaka Nithi County.

Abstract

ABSTRACT The problem of gender discrimination is wide spread in developing countries and is raising concern in the international community, national government and civic society. The problem is even more prevalent in Africa and takes different forms ranging from paid labor, unemployment, wages, jobs, poverty, school enrolment, literacy, government and health. In Kenya today, an estimated 80% women are found to be discriminated against various areas. This calls for the need to do more research on the incidences of gender discrimination to come up with solution to this problem. This study aimed at evaluating the incidences of gender discrimination. It looks at various areas where women are discriminated against and comes up with suggestions to solve the problem of gender discrimination. Cluster sampling and simple random sampling were employed where 50 respondents were chosen for the study. Interviews with closed and open ended questions were also used. Secondary sources were consulted through a literature survey in documented information from the institution Library, private institutions and individuals. Techniques employed in data analysis included descriptive and summary statistics including frequency tables and Hypothesis testing entailed cross tabulation of various variables using the Pearson's chi-square test of independence. Results indicated that women are discriminated against in employment, paid labor, education, health and government. It is thus recommended that policy makers, development planners and implementers at the local level to ensure that people can deal with the problem of gender discrimination .Gender inequalities should be dealt with to ensure women are offered equal opportunities in government, health, education and employment. This is possible through involvement of social workers in the ministry of social services and relevant institutions.