Factors that account for the marginal participation of women in the political processe: The case of Maasai women

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify factors that account for the marginal participation of Maasai women in political processes. The objective of the study is to establish why women do not actively participate in the political process and find ways of enhancing their participation. An attempt has been made to study these factors utilizing the socialist Feminist and the patriarchy theories as theoretical frameworks. An attempt has also been made to analyze these factors using descriptive statistics and correlation analyses. Data for the study was collected using a combination of two methods. First the use of secondary data which involved published books, journals, Kenya National Archives materials, unpublished articles and news papers. Primary data was obtained through fieldwork research covering sampled Women Groups, administrators, leaders and Maasai women in general. The research was carried out using questionnaires and interviews. We found out from the study that several factors are responsible for the marginal participation of Maasai women in the political process, including the traditional political organization of the Maasai, socio-cultural factors such as lack of formal education, beliefs held by both men and women and low incomes among maasai women; structural factors like the Government institutions, political parties and the socialization process. Various policy suggestions are made regarding the possible ways of enhancing Maasai women's participation in the political processes. These will require the active involvement of the Government in addressing these factors. The study is divided into five chapters. Chapter One is the introductory and contains the purpose of the study, literature review, theoretical framework and the methodology. Chapter two deals with the historical background of the Maasai Community. Chapter three and four deal with the analysis of data and chapter five concludes by trying to point out recommendations, policy implications and areas of further research.