Factors influencing participation of women in leadership in secondary school management in Lower Yatta District , Kitui County, Kenya .

Abstract

This study sought to investigate factors influencing women leadership in secondary school management in Lower Yatta District in Kitui County, Kenya. The study was guided by following objectives: To establish how culture influences women leadership in secondary school management performance in Lower Yatta District ; to assess how policy and regulatory framework affect women leadership in secondary school management in Lower Yatta District; to investigate the influence of networking on women participation in leadership in secondary school management in Lower Yatta District.

A survey design was used in a quantitative research approach. The study targeted 21 registered secondary schools in Lower Yatta District. Simple random sampling was used to select 52.3% of the registered schools giving a sample of 11schools. A questionnaire with closed ended items was used .The questionnaire items were in five point likert rating scale of range of (1-5 for example 1- Very high, 2- High, 3- Undecided 4- Low, 5- Very low).

Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics that involved frequency distribution Tables and percentage

The study findings showed that participation of women in leadership in secondary school management in Lower Yatta District is influenced by culture, legal/policy framework and networking

Key recommendations made are : the need to sensitize both men and women the importance of embracing pragmatic cultural practices that recognizes the equality of all persons, religious institutions should be encouraged to involve women in their leadership structures so that they can set precedent for others to follow, full implementation of legal/policies that have been put in place to empower women in all sectors of development , transparency and meritocracy to be the only criteria used when making appointments and promotions in both private and public sectors.