Factors influencing women’s participation in community development in Kwa-Vonza Division, Lower Yatta Sub-County- Kitui County

Abstract

The study investigated factors influencing women’s participation in community development in Kwa- Vonza Division, LowerYatta sub-county, Kitui County. The objectives of the study were to determine whether there was a relationship between the level of education and women’s participation in community development, to find out whether there was a relationship between the age of women and participation in community development and to find out whether there was a relationship between marital status of women and participation in community development. The research design for the study was descriptive research and the target population was women from self-help registered women groups from Kwa-Vonza Division, Kitui County. Data was collected by the use of the questionnaire and interviews and was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science software programme. The study established that marital status, age and level of education of women influenced participation in community development. The study recommends that the government should develop initiatives aimed at creating awareness among women and empowering them to be able to contribute in development. Non-governmental organizations and religious institutions should also strive to give education to women in order to improve awareness. These recommendations if implemented will address major factors influencing women participation in community development.