Factors influencing implementation of gender mainstreaming strategy in public secondary schools in Kimilili-Bungoma District Kenya
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate factors influencing implementation of Gender Mainstreaming Strategy in public secondary schools in Kimilili - Bungoma District - Kenya as summarized in the conceptual framework .Gender Mainstreaming is inevitably and essentially a contested process. Although there have been attempts to bridge the gap between the two positions, hence 'Gender equality' and 'mainstream' it's vital to note the frequent opposition to Gender Mainstreaming to understand the dualism between Gender equality and Mainstreaming agendas.
The study was guided by the following objectives: To determine the extent to which demographic characteristics of key stakeholders influence implementation of Gender Mainstreaming strategy in public secondary schools in Kimilili - Bungoma District Kenya, to establish the level to which training of key stakeholders influences implementation of Mainstreaming Gender strategy in public secondary schools in Kimilili - Bungoma District - Kenya and to examine the level to which attitude of key stakeholders influences implementation of Gender Mainstreaming strategy in public secondary schools in Kimilili Bungoma District - Kenya. The study employed descriptive survey design.
The study population comprised of 22 public secondary schools and a total of 484 respondents were used as the target population, deputy principals and board of Governors were sampled purposively and Heads of Departments were sampled using simple random sampling technique. Questionnaires for the named parties were used as a data collection instrument. Organization of responses were edited, coded and entered into the computer for analysis using a statistical package for social sciences.
The major findings were that implementation of Gender Mainstreaming strategy was influenced by the following demographic characteristics; position of stakeholders in school, the age, the type of school, the category of school and professional qualification of stakeholders. Training of stakeholders was also found to be of great influence on implementation of Gender Mainstreaming, stakeholders also felt that guidance and counseling has helped in eradication of retrogressive cultural beliefs and practices. Lastly, it was revealed that very few stakeholders have undergone training on gender 33.3% and most of them 35(40.2%) use trial and error method in implementation of the Gender Mainstreaming strategy.
The study therefore recommends that the Ministry of Education and Teachers Service Commission should carry out a detailed needs assessment to identify appropriate training needs that can help improve the implementation of Gender Mainstreaming in schools. There is also need for stakeholders including parents to be made aware of the benefits of developing a positive attitude towards implementation of gender main streaming strategy at all levels and in all sectors of a school setting.
Publisher
University of Nairobi, Kenya
Collections
- Faculty of Education (FEd) [5973]