Leadership Pattern in Women Groups: a Case Study of Kapteberewo Location in Kabartonjo Division of Baringo District:

Abstract

The phenomenon of women getting together to help each other is not new and it pre-dates colonial times. In high potential agricultural communities women had developed an elaborate informal system of lightening their work load during difficult times such as in sickness or child birth. These were normally in form of labour groups. A group of women would get together and work in the far.m of a certain member. This was done without any charges for they would all work in each others' farm. Women who were not members but would want some serv±ces would be charged for the service rendered. Looking at the position women have occupied in our society for a long time we find that gender relations have been unequal giving rise to female subordination. The rules made by our society seems to be a deliberate attemp~ to ensure that one half ofLFopulation is completely unable to realize their potential and that is why women have come together in order to fight for this unjustified inequality so that they improve their social and economic status. Women groups have come along way and have diversified their activities to comprise both social and economic endeavours. In their endeavour to improve their social and / economic status leadership among tlfe groups" is a crucial ~ factor which this study has focussed on. Although other factors contribute to some extent to the success of women groups, effective leadership is singled out as the most important because with proper leadership skills~ a leader can easily manage crisis and plan ahead with conviction, courage and determination.