An Assessment of the Feminization of Poverty in Urban Areas: a Case Study of Kibera Location, Nairobi Kenya

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the feminization of poverty in urban areas. Fieldwork for the study was conducted in Kibera slums, Nairobi in July and August 2008. The study sought to find out the socio-cultural and economic factors influencing the feminization of poverty; the effects of housing quality on women and the coping strategies of poor women. A total of 133 respondents were systematically and purposively sampled and interviewed. Methods used for obtaining data and information for this study were library research, interviews, focus group discussions, narratives and key informants. Data was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively and the information presented in the form of tables. The findings reveal that patriarchy, lack of inheritance rights for women and girls, gender division of labour, women's economic dependence on men, low levels of education and labour market segregation are largely responsible for the feminization of poverty. The study also found that poor housing increases the incidence of illness and injury to women and their children. It emerged that positive coping strategies enable poor women to survive on meager income while negative strategies are detrimental to their health. It is therefore recommended that the government, NGOs, private organizations and 'to- •• development agencies should seek to promote gender equity and equality as a means of dealing with women's disadvantaged position in all spheres of life. They should work to improve the quality of housing and general infrastructure in slum areas. It is also recommended that women be empowered to generate income and thus come out of poverty