Effects Of Civic Education On Women’s Political Participation In Gatanga Ward In Gatanga Constituency, Murang’a County

Abstract

This study examined the effects of civic education (CE) on women’s political participation in Gatanga Ward in Gatanga Constituency namely: political knowledge, political trust, political interests and political efficacy. The literature reviewed was in line with women political participation, political knowledge, political trust, political interests and political efficacy all of which were geared towards achieving enhanced women political participation. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of civic education (CE) on women’s political participation. To achieve these objectives, Primary data was collected through use of close ended questionnaires from a random sample of 246 Gatanga Ward women from different social classes, age and levels of education. The researcher consulted the supervisor and other experts from the University of Nairobi to ascertain that the questionnaire was valid and measured the variables in the study. The study was prompted from issues raised by the community on women political participation in Gatanga Constituency. The target population was 3527 women who were registered as voters in year 2010.The study was a descriptive survey research that investigated the extent to which civic education affects women’s political participation in Gatanga ward. The populations were all the women who were registered voters in Gatanga ward. Systematic random sampling was used to sample 246 women from different social classes, age and levels of education in this study. The Morgan and Krejcie table was used to arrive at the sample size. The data collected was edited, coded and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences. Data was analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. Results of the study revealed that the majority of respondents support women’s political participation in public life in the society. Also, women’s supported the right of women to have equal educational opportunities, as well as equal participation in civil societies, volunteer societies, and political participation. Finally, empirical results were that civic education was associated with women’s political participation. The study recommended that civic education should be carried out to sensitize women on their role in politics and participation in other leadership positions. It further recommended that women should be considered for political appointment at the County and National level to facilitate gender balance.