Implementation of Gender Related International Policy and Legal Framework: a Case Study of Women Empowerment in Arid and Semi Arid Areas in Kenya

Abstract

To establish the level of implementation of gender related international policy and legal framework in respect to women empowerment in arid and semi arid areas in Kenya. The study sought to achieve the following specific objectives: to determine the extent to which implementation of gender related international policy and legal framework in ASAL areas in Kenya has achieved economic empowerment in ASAL, to find out the extent to which implementation of gender related international policy and legal framework in ASAL areas in Kenya has achieved educational empowerment in ASAL, to investigate the extent to which implementation of gender related international policy and legal framework has achieved political leadership empowerment in ASAL and to investigate the extent to which implementation of gender related international policy and legal framework has reduced sexual and gender-based violence in ASAL. This study used a descriptive research design. Due to an arid climate, Isiolo County, North East Kenya was considered an ideal research location. The study use secondary data. Secondary data was sourced from a collection and review of published and unpublished material, journals, academic papers and periodicals. The study was also based on analysis of reports by governmental and non-governmental organizations and other documents on the women‘s movement, conventions, agreements and other instruments in Kenya. The study found that there was coherence in how the gender related international policy and legal framework interpret the concepts gender mainstreaming and empowerment. Framework agreements set the agenda in development cooperation work in today‘s international development empowerment is a concept of great importance in Kenya. The study recommends that can women in ASAL areas are empowered economically. This study recommends that barriers to female entrepreneurship should be removed and promotes inclusive financial services and trade policies. Private sector development should support female entrepreneurs by removing the barriers to the development of women-owned enterprises. Female-owned enterprises produce positive economic and social outcomes, enhancing women‘s self-confidence, increasing their participation in household and economic decisions and contributing to their economic empowerment.