The involvement of ladies in development projects

Background of the Study

The involvement of ladies in development projects has been a significant concern in all nations, due to ignored gender relations in both the practice and hypothesis of development (Brohman, 2016). In this case, women have methodically been shut out of the different stages of development – this had led to the perception that they are impediments to growth (Parpart, 2013). A study conducted by (Stephen 2013) on Women’s rural mobilizations in Latin American showed that women were politically neglected and almost excluded in active participation in development activities. Previous studies, however, have revealed the potential of women in developing appropriate ways that enable them to handle their challenges and concerns via local participation in expansion projects, especially agriculture and small scale businesses (UN, 2011). According to Chalchissa & Emnet (2013), the economic participation of women is also narrow and primarily limited to domestic work and low paying menial jobs in the formal economic sphere. Despite all the hardship they face, their valuable contribution has never been calculated in the national GDPs globally. However, women have proved to be a useful resource for the country with abilities like handling multiple tasks simultaneously, contrary to the males.

Speaking during the United Nations Women conference in 2011, the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon acknowledged women as significant drivers of economic progress in both the developed and developing nations. He further added that women often safeguard the environment and can make a unique contribution to lasting peace and security. In realizing common goals in the community like growing foods for the family and educating the children, women are highly needed, and this will inevitably contribute to development in so many other positive ways (RDB, 2011).  The United Nations Women (2018) noted that the involvement of women in the workplace leads to the growth of the economies. That is, empowering women increases the productivity and nurtures economic diversification. Further, it boosts income equality, among other positive expansion results.

In Africa, several studies show how collective action through women’s economic participation in groups empowers women to participate in development activities. A study was conducted by World Vision (2012) in Zambia with a focus on improving the well being of girls and women through education scholarships, small business loans, and training. From this study, entitled Empowerment, Respect, and Equality Program (ERE), it was indicated that the lives of women and those of their families were being transformed. This report further showed that ERE generated employment chances by creating saving groups comprising of 25 women – this enabled the women to pool their resources and, in turn, either received individual loans from the group or invested in a shared activity such as planting of crops. The lives of women involved were transformed as they saved money with the groups, borrowed from the group, started new businesses, and improved existing companies. This enabled a transformation in the women’s livelihood together with those of their families. It can, therefore, be deduced that the creation of the right environment by the policymakers is a significant milestone in ensuring the participation of women in economic development.

In Arabian countries, such as Ethiopia, women actively engage in all stages of development. That is, they are both procreators and producers. Also, they play a part in the cultural, economic, political, and social activities of the tribe. In some cases, society underestimates the role of women in expansion. For instance, the oppressive social, economic, and political policies in Ethiopia prevent women from accessing the development projects such as governmental offices. The unequal distribution of resources leaves them lagging behind men in aspects of self-development (Ayferam2015). During the 1974 revolution, women assembled in nongovernmental groups; examples are the Ethiopian Female’s Students Association and the Ethiopian Officer’s Wives Association. However, their impact limited in terms of scope and geographical coverage.

One of the most progressive charters in Africa is Kenya’s new Constitution promulgated on 27 August 2010. The law allows for the establishment of a devolved system of governance and its recognition of citizens’ economic and social participation. The paradigm shift from the highly centralized governance system to the current devolution model that is comprised of a national government and forty-seven county governments has had the net effect of creating opportunities for enhanced public participation at all levels of government. This has given a big chance, especially for women, to be active participants of development at the grass-root levels. The Constitution also envisages public participation in different aspects of governance, including devolved units. The CGA, County Government Act, 2012, defines the powers, functions, and responsibilities of county governments. The policy explains that public involvement in regional planning is mandatory; further, it enjoins the elected officials to spearhead the formulation of platforms and processes which increase civic engagement by employing media such as town hall meetings and other information and technology-based technologies (Section 113).

Studies were undertaken about different factors that facilitate and impede active economic participation of women in various governance processes at the county level. For instance, Siala (2015) surveyed the devolved units and the socio-economic issues which encourage economic engagement in the financial planning process. The report showed that tokenism is the primary element that discouraged women from involving in the financial estimation exercise. Further, it showed that schooling had a massive impact on the successful participation of women in development. For instance, 69.48 percent of the participants argued that learning levels influence the effectual of women engaged in economic activities.

A research conducted by Jesuit Hakimani Centre (2013) in thirty county governments (excluding Nairobi County) aimed at forecasting the level in which Kenyan citizens understood the processes which allow their engagement in economic activities. In particular, the study reviewed the operation of the county and national governments and their role in service delivery. The report showed that 26% of the participants understood the central part of devolution, that is, to promote the entitlements of the society and their development. In terms of financial engagement in political processes, 34% of the participants argued that public involvement platforms were a waste of time – this is because politicians disregarded their opinions when outlining the final resolution. 66% of the participants supported the engagement platforms – that is, they explained that they enhance public participation in the governance processes.

Government of Kenya in an attempt to end disease and poverty; and heighten the financial status of ladies implemented several efforts whose focus was to empower women and expand their engagement in the nation’s development.  For instance, it created the catalytic finances such as the Uwezo Fund, the Youth Enterprise Fund, and the Women’s Enterprise Fund. The goal was to allow women to access capital to grow or start business enterprises (Government of Kenya, 2015).

In Kitui County, the county government has developed strategies for enhancing women’s participation as an essential catalyst for poverty reduction. In Kitui County, the development plan (2013-2017), the devolved leadership noted that the percentage of men was lower than that of women; that is 47.6 and 52.4, respectively. The high number of women-led to intentional interventions that enhance their empowerment in access to medical care, education, provision of financial credit, promotion of human rights, and access to land entitlements, among other reasons. GROOTS Kenya has further partnered with the county government of Kitui to promote women empowerment among those who are interested in learning GROOTS Kenya’s model of organizing rural women with a particular focus on table banking. More importantly, however, the women farmers can now access loans of up to Ksh. 200,000 from their table banking. With these loans, the women have improved their agribusinesses, paid school fees, and overall witnessed improved livelihoods (Wangui, 2017). This study seeks to find out the County governance policies on development activities as a panacea for economic participation for women in Kitui Central Constituency.

Statement of the problem

Women’s involvement in business ventures is a significant concern for developing countries. Government policies (2015) insisted on women empowerment in society to realize the potentials and abilities for women. Kenya’s Vision 2030, the nation’s expansion blueprint aimed at changing the country into a new industrialized middle-income region – the goal was to provide a better quality of life for the residents by 2030. (Government of Kenya, 2015) also emphasizes on women empowerment. The initial and subsequent Medium Term Plans in the durations of 2008 to 2013; and 2013 to 2017 were to increase the women engagement and promote gender mainstreaming. The agendas would promote equality in the way men and women access the political, social and economic chances (Government of Kenya, 2015). Another goal was to end poverty and heighten the financial status of ladies, the state implemented a variety of self-help groups such as the, UWEZO Fund in 2014 and the Women Enterprise Fund in 2007. The affirmative policy for youth, women and disabled persons in economic development; to empower and increase women participation in the country’s development. However, several studies done have shown that women have not been giving maximum engagement in economic activities.

Justification

In finding out the County governance policies on development activities as a panacea for economic participation for women, this study will be significant in various ways. The report will generate information which will help the respective women participants to discover how various policies of the county government hereby investigated are likely to affect their participation in development activities. In addition, the findings of the research might also be used by officers in the concerned departments in helping them come up with as well as review policies on women participation in economic activities. This will specifically ensure that aspects which influence the financial engagement of ladies addressed at the policy levels.  Further, it will inform the present topic of awareness in women engagement in the budget processes. Future researchers and policy makers in various sectors will also discover how useful it is to come up with certain policy decisions as a panacea for women economic participation.

Scope of the Study

The research will be conducted in Kitui Central Constituency targeting the women in the area. Furthermore, the study will focus on strategies employed by county government, economic activities carried out by women, technical factors and county government policies as a solution to the economic participation of women. The study will be done among group leaders of 91 women groups involved in economic development projects in different areas of Kitui Central Constituency.

Limitations

The research may involve unwilling respondents who provide biased information.  However, the researcher shall address this challenge by encouraging the members to participate and assuring them that the data provided will used in the right way. Another limitation is the lack of cooperation from respondents due to inexperience in participation in research. However, the researcher will utilize research assistants to try the best to clearly inform them the purpose of the study. The dispersion of the respondents is also expected to pose a challenge to the researcher. This will be addressed by clustering groups in the same locality for ease of travel and data gathering.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Theoretical Framework

This research will depend on three theories; the Empowerment Theory, Social Constructivism hypothesis and Human Capital Theory in explaining theoretical understanding of the variables in the study.

Empowerment Theory

The theory has been advanced by different researchers. Empowerment is the process of intentionally providing authority to a person. It involves caring, critical reflection group participation and mutual respect. In this case, the process centers o the local community and it results in providing greater access of resources to (Cornell Empowerment Group, 1989). Kabee (2011) views empowerment as increasing an individual’s ability to claim their rights, particularly when they were initially denied (Sida, 2001).

Generally the theory views empowerment as procedures and results. The processes incorporate structures, activities and actions; while outcomes entail achieved levels of empowerment: (Perkins & Zimmerman, 2015). However, the empowerment procedures and results and outcomes differ in their general appearance; that is, no unit definition can describe the meaning of this concept in all contexts (Zimmerman, 1993). The concept process may include individuals’ engagement in societal programs, shared leadership in groups, unit decision making and mass action in access to resources and governmental projects (Perkins & Zimmerman, 1995). Empowerment outcomes on the other hand refer to the results of empowerment process. These entails accessible resources at communal level, existing coaltions, pluralism, policy leverage, creation of organizational links and societal growth (Perkins & Zimmerman, 1995).

UN Women explains that authorizing women to engage fully in financial projects allows the country to build strong economies – this accelerates the achievement of sustainability and development goals. Further, it improves the quality of life for families, men and children. The empowerment of women is critical in alleviating poverty, hunger, disease and stimulating development (GoK, 2015). Financial empowerment is the cornerstone of growth – this is due to the direct benefaction of people to the production processes. The concept involves involvement in sectors such as finance, trade, transport, construction, manufacturing, mining, and agriculture (IEA, 2008). Notably, gender equality involves unified access to resources, opportunities and social goods by both men and women; that is, the genders have equal life (Kirton, 2013). In this study, this theory is pertinent in explaining how women empowerment is critical in increasing women involvement in economic activities. Another benefit is that empowering women enhances their ability to make become engaged in economic activities geared towards improving their livelihoods.

Social Constructivism Theory

The Social constructivism concept grew from the doctrine of Edmund Husserl’s phenomenology and White Dilthey research on interpretive discipline – that is, hermeneutics (Eichelberger, 1989). Ideally, the primal assumption in the philosophy is that information emanates socially from people; that is, groups and individuals.  This theory suggests that reality is socially configured. In this research, the engagement of women in financial processes depends on the communal cultures, gender beliefs, ability, schooling levels, and interests on engagement and legal concerns. The perceived assumption is that the male gender should operate the society’s institutions and that women dominance is domestic. In reality, the perception is true. In thia case, social constructivism studies the manner in which people and groups create realities. The formulated illusion relies on the superiority complex which defines men as high-ranking and women as subordinates. Breaking down the cultural barriers and other reservations limiting their engagement leads to an improvement in the inclusion of women. Further, it allows tehm to pursue their interests in communal development – this leads to clear and observable variations in the way they participate. Additionally, the outcome will hold great and unprecedented impact in the society as far as poverty reduction is concerned.

Human Capital Theory

The above theory, as a branch of the resource based theory, is majorly associated with two factors which include education and experience (Garry Becker, 1975). In this case, the knowledge gained from education, training and experience represents a resource that is diversely dispensed through persons and therefore central to understanding the variances in identifying opportunities as well as taking advantage of such opportunities (Anderson & Miller, 2003; Gartner et al., 2005). Human capital theory is also the utmost significant of all elements of production in a business enterprise (Wickham, 2001). This implies that it is paramount in coming up with a strategy for achievement of the poverty reduction objectives and goals, as well as bring other resources together to create a package that gives the society an advantage. This means that, in order to fulfill the many prospects in the constituency, the county government need to equip women with a range of definite skills and competencies to enhance their participation in economic activities. This theory of Human Capital therefore plays a significant role in explaining how women who are aware of economic opportunities available, strategies employed and the legal protection   are thus an important factor in enhancing participation in economic activities as a panacea for poverty reduction.

Strategies Employed To Enhance Women Economic Participation

One of the primary challenges facing women groups is bad leadership. Most women have minimal education, and have less exposure to contemporary institutions – this is because their numerical and literal skills are poor. Further, they have less experience in modern organizational processes. Therefore, they require a form of education that can equip them with the knowledge of different things such as book-keeping and business management skills. Distant learning is one of the measures – it allows them to gain knowledge and formal certificates (Krishnair, 2003). Other studies show that education is considered as a means of reducing poverty and economically empowering the community (Mwabu et al, 2000). To this end women in the groups need to be given some form of education that would enable them manage their groups effectively. Simojoki (2003) noted that the primary challenge of group participants is to define their engagement system. When problems arise, the members fail to recognize their duties and roles as guarantors. Thus to help empower women groups, literacy is a key so that members can run their affairs without any hiccups; and thus meet their set objectives.

The government, NGOs, civil society  and private sector must create awareness programs on women empowerment and enhancing awareness on the policy interventions interventions already in place targeting women and women groups. For instance the availability of the WEDF which is a government initiative, yet many women are still not taking up the loan (Wainaina, 2011) and the Uwezo Fund, a state fund for youth groups. In this report, the investigator intends to test whether the above findings are employed.

Partnering with local initiatives could also help strengthen the women groups and women can improve their households through such initiatives. For instance, in the pastoralist areas livestock are a source of food security. Women empowerment through market participation assures the communities of access to food. Strategies to improve livestock value chains have always had the net effect of improving the community’s welfare and bettering the capacities of women folk and their families (Njuki, 2009).

Networking and proactive participation is important to the growth and empowerment of women. It is vital for the society to inspire ladies to engage in both national and international organizations to share their experiences – it further allows them to expose them to local and international economic opportunities. Women can attend gender forum to showcase their undertakings on their specialization this could help build on their self-confidence and self-esteem; as well as gain authority over aspects of manufacturing on an equal platform (Mahbub, 2010).

Women can readily identify their needs once the right strategies are in place. This is made possible by conscious effort of bringing them together in women gatherings. Studies by Davis and Negash (2015) noted that women organizations are an approach to collective engagement.  Often participation in one group is vital for development. In this regard, Lazo (2015) suggests that ‘‘empowerment of women is maximized by collectivization’’. Supportive links are crucial in that they allow women to protect their collective desires on a micro and macro level. Mayoux (2013) and Stromquist (2015) underline collective involvement outside the family as a vital tool for expansion. Thus women can benefit economically when they band together through provided strategies.

Strategies to enable women groups allow women to improve their women’ economic and politicalparticipation has always been employed. In this regard, Kay (2013) carried out a study in Narathiwat, a province in Southern Thailand which illustrated strategies for women empowerment both within the family and at the societal level after their involvement in group engagements. The groups were formed to manufacture products; examples are embroidered articles and batik. The projects improved engagement of all people from which they earned an income. Further, they resulted in improvement of the women’s status; that is, their families had better access to basic needs. At the communal level, their children received education. Some participants of the groups reportedly participated in societal management issues and structures. The study found out that when women come together for a common purpose, they were able to achieve social and economic empowerment.

A study by OECD (2011), in India indicated that collective action through women groups brought women especially those in the informal sector together to solve their problems by promoting change and implementing it in practice after an empowerment programme. The study through conducted by SEWA, Self Employed Women’s Association, is one of the examples of women participation. That is, women came together, discussed and solved issues of communication and training among others. The women group hopes to empower women through equipping them with skills that enable them improve on their skills while carrying out their businesses. The same study indicated that when women come together, they easily negotiate for union loans for a collective business venture. For instance, WIEGO, Women in Informal Employment Globalizing and Organizing in India, is such an organization that has the ability to reach out to the state and NGOs in search of financial support for its members through income-generating ventures (OECD, 2011). This then is an indication that when women pool together, they can become empowered through acquisition of skills through educative forums as well as seek financial support from various organizations.

Economic Activities Carried Out By Women for Economic Participation

According to Moser (2013), women play a minor role in the community – this reduces their participation in economic activities compared to men. Empowerment relates to the procedure of internal modification (Mayoux, 2018) and to the volume and ability to formulate the roght choices (Kabeer, 2001). According to the World Bank, empowerment involves increasing the ability of individuals or unions to implement the right decisions and implement them by conducting the desired actions (World Bank, 2001). This then, implies that women need to get involved in economic programs of their choice if they have to get access and be in control of resources, thus becoming economically empowered. Studies by Women’s Bureau (1980) have shown that women groups are key to women’s earning in rural areas. This suggestion is further highlighted by Mehtra et al (2011), who suggest that women groups are formed to address common economic challenges which are the current organizations ignore.

According to a study by Mikkola (2005), as indicated by a GOK survey (2008); gender hierarchy involves the customs, inheritance laws, family and valuations of women’s effort rather. The concept differs from the men’s work and their authority to formulate decisions in the families. This is further indicated by a study by Institute of Economic Affairs (2008) that men have control over resources and mostly the wealth that the family builds together belong to the male member. In societies where people conduct commercial farming, the female members keep the home safe and engage in reproductive processes such as contributing their labour. The study further argues that the lack of control on wealth for women leaves them vulnerable to poverty; further they constrained from initiating financial projects. Therefore there was a need to assess if women in Kitui Central have access and control of resources when they joined women groups.

Studies by Mehtra et al (2011) of a group of ten women teams comprising of 162 members obtained for a research in the Jammu region, India, found that most members were economically weak prior to the group formation period. The group formation had a huge effect on the socio-economic state and lowering of hunger among the members and their families. The study further indicated that empowerment through the group had also led to increased positive behavioural change and self-confidence. For instance, involvement in outdoor activities in comparison to the initial pre-study period. This position is also held by Karanja (2013) and Kabeer (2001) involvement in women groups enabled women acquire resources thus impacting on their socio-economic conditions. They noted that women groups feature a prominent approach to operating on the industry of individuals in contemporary times. The study concluded that women groups spearhead changes in decision making, social status and economic conditions. Further, they heighten women participation in outdoor ventures – this promotes social change and modification.

Braun (2010) explains that the engagement of women in collective bands improves their social standing and economic status of their families. She gave an example of one local tribe in Bangladesh, where ladies created an organic cultivating union and collectively pooled financial resources. The cooperative is today provides loans to the participants who purchase seeds, equipment among other farming inputs. The study observed that members have started economic activities such as crop farming. The women members are now reaping the benefits of being in this cooperative. However, the study noted that the women disregard the micro credit loans in fear that they might lose their assets to the lenders. Another benefit is that the loans appear inflexible, have high interest rates and the repayment period is minimal. This is further noted by Fisher and Sriram (2002), who explain that credit organizations exploit women and their households rather than help them out of poverty.  However, Mishra (2003) argued that women groups were formed to help women meet their needs for friendly credit. Therefore, there was a need to look at the preferred groups’ source of capital. In Kenya, table banking, merry go round and financial friendly facilities have helped women greatly to achieve their economic needs.

The collective engagement allows women’s associations to seek financial and institutional support from the government and private organizations such as NGOs. Further, they negotiate for shared loans with banks and other credit organizations (OECD, 2011). Through group collateral, financial service access from financial institutions women can become economically empowered through the use of credit, savings and insurance to promote their own economic activities (World Bank et al, 2009). A case of Empowerment, Respect and Equality Program (ERE) in Zambia which is funded by World Vision seeks to significantly improve the well-being of girls and women through its microfinance work. ERE enables women to pool their resources and either receive individual loans from the group or invest in a shared activity such as planting of crops. The ERE heightened the number of women groups and their savings also improved from $1,188.40 to $5.951; that is, from September to December 2011 respectively with a total of 71 saving groups and 1,073 members. The lives of women are being transformed as they save money with the group, borrow from the group, start new businesses and improve existing businesses. This has enabled a transformation on the lives of the women who have changed the livelihood of their families and have had an increased self-esteem in their lives.

Malombe (2000) studied the Mabati Women Groups in Nyeri, Kenya; which constituted a movement of poor women in central Kenya who came together to address the immediate welfare needs of the members. They started off with an objective of house improvement, then to purchasing construction elements such as water tanks, later to creation of rental apartments and carrying out knitting and sewing programs. These groups operated for a considerable period and their work significantly benefited the communities in this part of Kenya. Their activities have enabled the members to change the situation of their families, send their children to school and some bought property having borrowed from the revolving loan fund with their groups as collateral.

Women groups empower women economically. A study by Maino (2002) showed that female members of the society find strength in “numbers.|” That is, if they pool their resources together, they significantly improve their livelihoods and that of their families and relatives. He gave various test case examples of women groups, which had excelled and uplifted the livelihood of the individual members. One example is Nzoia Muungano Group (Western Kenya) where members pooled resources together. Some members have borrowed from the fund and bought dairy cows and are now reaping the benefits of selling milk. With the resources earned, they can educate their children and obtain a decent living for themselves. The health of their children has improved as they are able to buy food and clothing from the proceeds. The study further indicates that men who were adamant against their wives joining these groups are enjoying the benefits accrued from them.

Women Enterprise Development Fund (WEDF) executive officer in Kenya reported that the women fund has so far advanced loans to 245,000 women with four hundred and eight million shillings disbursed since inception (Wainaina, 2011). The fund has transformed the lives of many women especially the rural women. Farming projects took the bulk of the money sourced from the fund. He gave an example of Mzambarao Women Group (Western Province), where members borrowed from the fund and bought dairy cows. They are now reaping greatly from the proceeds of the dairy farming which has boosted their incomes and ensured good nutrition for their families compounded by an increased purchasing power and financial independence. He also gave an example of Wakesho Women Group from Kisauni, Coast Province where members were engaged in weaving. A loan from the fund enabled them to purchase a weaving machine thus boosting their production capacity. With time they have diversified and started baking and teaching their youth life skills. They have succeeded in rehabilitating twenty five former street children ( Wainaina, 2011).

Studies carried out by Kamande (2009) showed that women have in their hearts a special place for their families. Women groups in the SabaSaba area of Murang’a County engaged in the planting of tissue culture bananas. They have totally transformed the livelihoods of their households and changed the welfare of their children by having afforded good meals and greatly shaped their own destinies. This identifies with studies carried out by Africa Harvest in Imenti South (2011) which showed that women operated their own accounts, hire farms for personal growth and development and greatly improved their livelihoods at the advent of partnerships with the farm. This is a clear indicator of the success of women empowerment initiative which has yielded good fruits, after the firm initiated programmes targeting women groups in the planting of tissue culture bananas. These studies show that women can achieve economic empowerment via solidarity groups. They can start up activities, through which they can earn an income.

Women lending groups as premiered and modelled by the Grameen bank model were based on the premise of members contributing and borrowing from the programme (Kibet, 2009). The scheme entailed members pooling and self-financing the loans, credit advancing programme by way of having own contributions aiding growth, the programme firing up the move by way of having money pooled and borrowed from within the group. The financing was then driven by prevailing social attachments and borrowing was based on trust. The group contributions acted as the pool from which all would access credit from and grow their fortunes. This concurs with the previous work carried out by Sande (2006). He argued that the social ties and common pooling of resources assured the members of access to credit thus having the groups funding their own operations and activities with regard to acquisition of resources by making it accessible to members.

The table banking programme gained currency and has served good use to group members belonging to lending groups which have evolved from the previous revolving fund schemes. The group lending methodology in which members would make contributions, have their own resources and have a credit officer from an accredited institution help in accounts reconciliation and general book keeping while having members retain their money (Mwaura, 2009). With time an increase in resources, forced a change of tact with the members having defined systems and structures of having their contribution pooled and converted into share-holders funds for common access by all and later have dividends pay-outs at the close of the year. This spurred growth in the sector with formalization of the business and eventual handover to professionals to manage the groups.

Gachemi (2018) conducted a research on the function of women enterprises in economic expansion for ladies in Magutu Division, Nyeri County. The primary goals of the research were; to establish main economic activities carried out by women groups that result to economic empowerment of members; to examine gender related issues which heighten performance of women groups while enhancing their economic empowerment; to discuss the major challenges women groups face in enhancing their economic empowerment and to identify which strategies are employed to enhance women groups’ economic empowerment programs. The study applied a descriptive format in which it collected the quantitative and qualitative information. A sample of 106 respondents was obtained which included group leaders, members and the County Gender Officer. The study employed interview schedule and questionnaires as methods of collecting the data. The results were that the major economic activities carried out by the women groups included pig rearing, revolving funds, dairy goats rearing, poultry keeping, crop farming, renting out of chairs and tents as well as social welfare support. Indeed, most of the respondents confirmed that the benefits conferred to them by the activities carried out in the groups were individual.

The reviewed activities are a clear indication that when women band together in a group, pool their resources and start up an income generating activity they get economically empowered from the sale of the products. They can use these earnings to boost themselves as well as their households. The study thus aims to find out what economic activities women get involved in and if the activities translate to poverty reduction in Kitui Central Constituency, Kitui County.

Policy and Legal Framework on Women Economic Participation

The legal structures and global regulations on women empowerment and gender equality – that is, the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing platform for Action emphasize on the importance of women participation in economic development (Hannan, 2009). The two structures explain that there is need for representing women, increasing engagement, influencing processes, agendas and outcomes of decision-making in terms of the gender equality approach. To achieve equal engagement in development ventures, many countries in the world have adopted this policy of gender mainstreaming.

One of the solutions to the challenge is gender mainstreaming. The concept provides an approach which upholds the differences between men and women (Booth, C and Benett, 2002). Ideally, gender mainstreaming involves equally representing the men and women in decision-making bodies and working towards broadening of women participation at all levels of the society (Lombardo, E, 2005, Charles Worth 2005). It is noteworthy that the Kenyan government implemented gender implemented the concept as the flagship factor of the vision 2030. The gender mainstreaming approach also is in line with the millennium development goals for encouraging gender equality and promoting the welfare of women.

According to Charles Worth, H (2005), the state should institutionalize gender mainstreaming through a collection of decisive processes, mechanisms, and steps. This is why women empowerment issues are captured in the millennium development goals and Kenyan vision 2030. In Kenya, women are encouraged to seek leadership positions because both genders have the entitlement to fair treatment; example is the freedom to equal chances in social, economic, political and cultural spheres. In addition, the nation should not directly or indirectly violate the freedoms of any person based on their marital status, pregnancy, belief, culture, sex, dress and pregnancy among other issues (Constitution of Kenya, 2010). To further safeguard the entitlements of women article 81 (b) and 27(8) argue that the number of elected people in office from one gender should not exceed two-thirds of members. The nation should implement administrative measures to implement this policy, an example is appointing more women into legislative seats At the Devolved governments in Kenya, a county Assembly, involves special seats reserved for the government to appoint women –this ensures that the two-thirds gender rule satisfied (Constitution of Kenya, 2010).

From all these legal provisions, it is clear that women involvement is a vital aspect of poverty reduction. Quota system is another policy issue that ensures women are adequately represented in Kenya decision making bodies. In most nations, the quota system increases the number of women in senior management. (Hannan, 2009).  Some governments reserve one third of elective positions to women. According to Hannan  (2009), quotas may lure women in male systems and structures – this creates a power imbalance. It also hinders women participation – this is because the existing practices, norms and values give explicit views on the gender roles. Therefore, affirmative action approaches have limitations in that they do not solve the problem. Hannan (2009) therefore proposes sensitization campaigns to increase the men’s acceptance that women should engage in economic development and take up new responsibilities at the workplace.

The needs, priorities and contributions of men and women should be evaluated and registered in an equal platform during the planning process. The strategy allows the genders to be equally engaged and to fully benefit – this is part of gender mainstreaming. That is, no decision should be implemented or financial resources provided without examination of the available contributions and roles of men and women. The potential for both genders to implement the decision should also be examined Hannan (2009). Policies and legal framework that empowers women are national, regional and global in nature. At the international level, African countries have agreed to prioritize women leadership and engagement in the policy-making processes. To actualize this, states have acknowledged the importance of eradicating oppression against young women and girls according to the regulations stipulated in the different national, refgional and international conventions and equipment created to promote and protect the women’s welfare and rights (African youth charter, 2006).

It is worthy to note that Kenya as a member of African union has strived to implement all the policies aimed at strengthening women participation in all sectors. For instance a female civil servant who should not appear on duty due to solitary confinement should receive a maternity leave with provisions such as the full salary for the annual leave (Code of Regulation for civil servants, 2006). This maternity leave is one way of being women sensitive.

Women Economic Participation

Women Economic Participation is critical to the development of both the individual woman and the world at large. Some studies explain that about a billion women fail to reach their economic potential and therefore live in poverty compared to their male counterparts. The number equate to one-seventh of the world’s population (Eyben & Comwall 2008). According to OECD, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (2011), majority of the women’s work lags behind the level of economic empowerment received by men. Women have therefore, been targeted for economic participation by international, regional and national state and non- state actors. OECD (2011) further argued that enhancing women participation economically allows them to make a meaningful contribution to the economic activity of their family. She also has the opportunity to use the resources acquired and has control over them. Although both men and women share the responsibility of participating in economic ventures, women’s chances of acquiring resources and having control over them appears minimal compared to that of men in societies and countries.

A study by Fletscher (2009), shows that women’s access to capital is low; that is, it appears regulated by biased lending practices for the financial institutions. The banks consider them small, less entrepreneurial and less attractive clients for credit programs. There is therefore an urgent need to economically empower women through alternative means of financing so as to enhance their economic participation. Women groups have a vital duty in women financial expansion by encouraging them to save as a group in order to protect themselves against unwanted financial demands from friends and family (FAO, 2001). This study indicates that this particularly empowers women among the poor in rural homes where there is intense family and social pressures to share all resources.

Owing to their economic disadvantages women tend to organize themselves into women groups for financial, social, religious or physical support. Lewa (2000) identifies a woman group as an association of two or more women who interact to accomplish a shared purpose. Scholars have therefore pointed out that, members of women groups normally pool physical, financial; economic or human resources to achieve a common task. For instance, women collectively ploughing members farms, pooling resources for joint income-generating activities or contribute a certain amount of money on a weekly or monthly basis which is received by each of the members in turn. This contribution can be used for social welfare or for a merry go round scheme which can range from home renovations, purchase of household equipment or payment of school fees (Lewa, 2000; Malombe, 2000 & Karanja, 2013). Women economic empowerment, however, may not be achieved if the women group members do not go beyond these household purchases or social welfare objective.

Critique of Literature Review

Despite the fact that there are several strategies employed by the county government in operation in the country, many Kenyans are largely ignorant. Several studies undertaken to explain the scope in which economic participation of female people achieved found that most women have failed to take up their roles in the active participation of economic development activities. Most women in Kenya ignore the news and lack interest on the nations development process. Therefore, the state should develop new initiatives to spearhead development through a “grassroot” approach which encourages women to participate in governance. For instance, Mwabu et al 2000 found that despite the numerous chances for women to engage in budget planning process, some have been constrained by lack of education or interest. Wainaina (2011) further revealed that women are not ready to take up the opportunities, obtain funding or even to actively engage themselves on development activities. The situation arises due to failure of the state to rising above board in creating public confidence on the development institutions; an example is coming up with proper legal provisions to protect the economic activities women engage in.

Summary

In this report, the investigator looked at county government strategies and policies as a panacea for women participation economic development. It was observed that real participation leads to empowerment through economic growth and development having influence not only on their activities but wider societal programs. The county government focuses on women empowerment as a primal approach which will heighten financial empowerment and chances for social development.

Research Gap

Several studies have already been carried out both internationally and locally on women empowerment and involvement in economic activities.  For instance, Kay (2013) carried out a study in Southern Thailand on promoting the general welfare of women via micro credit approaches. The study illustrated strategies for women empowerment both within the family and at the societal level following their involvement in group ventures. However, this study failed to focus on strategies and the legal and policy framework as key variables in enhancing women economic participation. OECD (2011) also conducted study in India that concentrated on empowerment where women come together and discuss issues of training and communication among others but failed to investigate economic activities women engage in and how they are legally protected, a gap that the current study seeks to fill.

Gachemi (2018) conducted a report on the function of women teams in economic expansion of families in Magutu Division, Nyeri County. His main focus was on the main economic activities carried out by women groups that result to economic empowerment of members; gender related factors that influence performance of women groups and to discuss the major challenges women groups face in enhancing their economic empowerment as well as establish strategies employed to enhance women groups’ economic empowerment programs. This study did not focus on the legal and policy framework as well as strategies employed by the county governments, a gap that the current study seeks to address. Karanja (2013) on the other hand focused on issues which affect the entrepreneurial ventures among Women Groups in Makuyu Division. A study that did not address the economic activities women engage in for empowerment purposes and poverty reduction.

On legal and policy framework, gaps were identified from the study by Charles Worth (2005) and Hannan (2009). Worth (2005) identified that gender mainstreaming should be organizational – that is, implemented via concrete steps, processes, and mechanisms. A reason why women empowerment issues are captured in Kenyan vision 2030. He however, did not investigate the legal framework on protection of financial ventures which women conduct. The studies concluded that women empowerment is key in helping address poverty through economic participation of women in economic activities.  However, most of these studies have been conducted in other regions with different demographic, economic, political and environmental differences from Kitui and hence their findings cannot be generalized to the Kitui Central Constituency case. In addition, studies that have been conducted have not focused on the county government policies – this is the primary goal of this research.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

Introduction

The section outlines the methodologies of study. This section covers the study format, the sample, target population, research equipment, data collection, data analysis procedures, ethical considerations, and reliability or validity of the instruments.

Research Design

The concept describes the process of formulating a test to refute the claim or support the research aim. The report will use analytical research design since it makes concrete strategies for the safeguarding against false information and reduces the reliability of the results (Mugenda and Mugenda, 2003). Kisilu & Tromp (2006) points out that descriptive research format is the most convenient when the goal of the research is to formulate a good description of the phenomenon. According to Kothari (2004), a descriptive report finds out and explains the phenomenon the appropriate way; it mainly involves determining the opinions and attitudes towards individuals and groups – the situation limits the control of variables for the researcher; that is, they will only report the event. Mugenda and Mugenda (2003) argue that a sampling outline is vital in that it allows the researcher to select a sample before the sampling. An example is of 10-30% when the elements in the sample are more than 30. Singh (2012) explains that a sampling frame is a collection of elements where the researcher obtains the sampling units from for review during a research.

Sampling Techniques

The introduction of the WDF, Women Enterprise Development Fund saw an inception of many female unions and groups. The researcher targeted the groups which are mainly engage in financial forums in Kitui Central Constituency. The groups are actively involved in income generating activities; the others are involved in merry go round schemes, farming activities, small scale businesses, buying of household items like tanks, and social welfare programmes. Sampling involves obtaining a number of units during a research to represent the entire group. In this case, purposive sampling allows the researcher to obtain the five leaders per group that will be targeted for the study. Further, in order to get the 68 respondents from the 273 purposively selected group leaders, simple random sampling will be used. According to Osuala (2001), purposive sampling allows the picking of study subjects that fit the experiment’s focus.

Instruments of Data Collection

The study will use questionnaires to collect data. The closed ended queries will allow the researcher to analyze and easy code. On the other hand, open ended questions enable the investigator to obtain more data from interviewees to fill the missing channels. The respondents who will be available during the day will receive the structured queries. In this case, questionnaires provide interviewees with the rights to explain their views and make opinions. Further, it promotes anonymity; that is, it helps produce candid answers to the interviewer. The questionnaires should have four areas. Section A will be on demographic information and section B, C and D will be on information concerning the objectives of the study. The instrument will allow data collection from women group leaders obtained for this research. The study uses questionnaires because of their ability to investigate a large population within a short time (Mutai, 2006).

Data Collection Procedures

After clearance from the Scot University, the researcher obtained a permit to conduct the study from NACOSTI, National Council for Science, Technology and Innovation. The investigator shall then introduce himself to the Gender and Social Services Officer of Kitui Central Constituency and obtain permission to collect data from the sampled respondents. Respondents will be informed of the intended research by the researcher and a date to administer the research instrument will be arranged. Questionnaires will be administered to the respondents to complete and return to the researcher immediately after completion.

Pilot Testing

Piloting involves conducting a preliminary study before the main investigation (Bloor & Wood, 2006). The concept allows the researcher to standardize equipments before the main study; that is, before they take part in data collection. The pilot study will done among research expert, social worker and a woman leader. The primary goal of the pilot study is to highlight challenges which interviewees face and determine if the calibration of the equipment yields the required results during the study. In this case, the items on the equipment will be revised depending on the study.

Validity of Research Instruments

Mugenda and Mugenda, (2003), explain that validity is an estimation of correctness and relevance. That is, it is the meaningfulness of the assumptions based on the obtained results. Data collected should result in information which is relevant and correct. One of the measures of enhancing the validity is pretesting – this makes the results acceptable, clear and well understood. The pilot test also reveals biased calibrations, unclear instructions and allows the investigator to make necessary adjustments. (Nachmias & Nachmias, 2008). The study instrument will piloted through a social worker, research expert and a woman leader who will help identify ambiguities in the instrument to facilitate the necessary adjustments before conducting the final study.

Reliability of Research Instruments

Cooper and Schindler (2015), suggest that reliability is the process of providing consistent results using a standard measure; that is, one equipment and one person. The concept measures teh level to which an equipment provides uniform results after repeated tests (Mugenda and Mugenda, 2003). In this case, it refers to the consistency of a instrument; reliable tools provide good results during the pilot study and the actual investigation. The reliability test will be conducted by a woman leader, social worker or research expert – this will allow making vital changes to the pilot review.

Data Analysis and Presentation

The filled queries will be collected for data cleaning, coding and analysis. The information will be presented depending on objectives and research questions outlined during the research using analytical approaches and analyzed using the SPSS, statistical package for social sciences The analyzed data will be in the form of frequencies and percentages. Tables and figures will be used to present the result where tables will be generated using SPSS software version 24.

Ethical Issues

The researcher will inform respondents on confidentiality of the research to encourage openness and promote dignity. The private information of the participants will not disclosed to the public; and used for the study only. The respondents will not provide confidential data such as names, gender and transcripts,. The final report  will exclude subjects identifying the participants; this is to ensure compliance with scholarly regulations. Following conclusion of the study, the researcher will generate a final report. The tools used to collect data will be destroyed.