Role of women’s participation in rural community development; a case study of igwamiti location laikipia west sub county in kenya.

Abstract

The research aims to investigate the role of women in rural community development. Women participation in rural community development has had a lot of constraints militating their participation. The above specific objective is formulated: to identify the impact of women participation in rural community development, to identify the factors militating against women participation in community development and to identify ways for women’s motivation for effective participation for sustainable community development.The study used a case study since the design gives in-depth information of the variable under study. The target population was 100 which was from a total population of 69,491, selected purposively for the study. The sample was randomly picked from the number of women and men in Igwamiti Location. Data were collected by use of questionnaire method which had both closed and open ended questions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency tables and percentages. The questionnaires were pretested to ensure their reliability. Data was meaningfully analyzed by use of descriptive statistics such as frequency tables, percentages, charts, and presented in charts tables and graphs for easy interpretation. Qualitative data was presented in prose and repetitive responses grouped in themes. The study found out that women participation in rural community development is only felt in reproductive and production roles which are aimed fending their families. Women have a greater impact in rural community development although this impact is reduced by factors militating against them such as education opportunities, labor bottlenecks, land access and employment. The findings established that, for effective women participation in rural community development, government should form policies that motivate women. Also women should be given equal opportunities in all spheres of the society majorly leadership equal to men.The findings of the study recommend that to improve women’s participation in rural community development, the community or society, family heads should treat women with importance and reduce their discrimination and infringing their rights. Efforts should be made to sensitize all community members majorly in rural areas on the impact, role and importance of women’s participation in development. The government should establish policies to enhance women’s participation in rural community development and to enforce laws and policies that discriminate and subordinate women