The Determinants of the Advancement of Women in Organisations in Kenya - A Case Study of Organisations in Nairobi

Abstract

This study sought to find out what determines the advancement of women in organisations in Kenya today. Women in Kenya are disadvantaged in many fields but it is paramount that they be given an equal voice as they have a great impact on all the various aspects of economic development. Compared to their male counter parts women in formal sector employment are greatly disadvantaged relative to their male counter parts. This can be explained as there being fewer formal guidelines in the formal sector to put a check on the differential treatment of employees.In order to address this issue the following specific questions were examined: the nature and extent of involvement of women in organisations, qualification and preparedness of women for advancement in organisations, internal and external factors that affect women's advancement in organisation and lastly policies that have been put in place by organisations to address this issue. In addressing this issue, both probability and non probability sampling techniques were used. One hundred women from, private and non-governmental sectors were interviewed. This study relied on both primary and secondary data. The primary data was gathered through a survey, using both closed and open ended questionnaires with key informant interviews. This study aimed to find out what systematic obstacles women face when it come to promotions to higher positions in organisations and also what determines this action. Some of these actions take the form of direct discrimination in organisational decisions making,whereas others are the result of forms of gender oppression that are built into institutional structures and social environments. The potential for differential treatment based on gender is likely to be higher in the higher echelons of organisations. Women tend to have perceived disadvantages relative to their male counterparts. This could be explained in terms of an organisations rule, regulations and structure. We can also say that advancement and promotions in organisations are not the only form of disadvantages that women face in the organisations. There are other factors which contribute to this such as occupational choice, earnings, and prestige.