DSpace Repository :: Browsing by Author "Okemwa, Pacificah Florence"

Browsing by Author "Okemwa, Pacificah Florence"

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An assessment of responses towards African women's theology in selected institutions in Kenya
(2011-08-16) Okemwa, Pacificah Florence
This study is an assessment of responses to African Women's Theology in selected institutions. The study centres on why Feminist Theology which emerged in the developed countries of the West and has spread to other parts of the world under different labels has not been wholly embraced in Africa. It has focused on selected public institutions of higher learning and theological schools. The main argument in this study is that, African Women's Theology has not been included in the Theology and Religious Studies curriculum of many institutions because the meaning of the term feminism commonly used is considered foreign. Besides, the methodology and concerns of this theology have not been wholly contextualized. The study selected some church-sponsored institutions of higher learning as well as public universities for our research. The data were gathered by use of oral interviews and questionnaires and library research among other methods. The overall data were then collated, analyzed, interpreted and presented in six chapters. The study established that Feminist Theology in general and African Women's Theology in particular has been subordinated in most of the institutions. This is because it has also been seen as a foreign importation. To correct this, it is argued that African Women's Theology should be contextualized so as to highlight local societal concerns as opposed to Western theologies. More courses on African Women's Theology should also be taught at undergraduate and graduate levels. The study argues that women in Kenya have concerns that arise from their unequal status in relation to men in society. The whole society suffers from subordination of gender issues in the academy as only male perspectives and participation are considered. It is therefore suggested that favourable recognition of gender perspectives will prepare service providers such as church ministers, teachers, managers and economists to readily explore and exploit female and male talents for the good of the whole community. In light of the above, it is suggested that women theologians and gender sensitive male theologians need to campaign for the upgrading of the status of Women Theologies in general and African Women's Theology in particular and also participate in preparing appropriate curriculum. This will ensure that the whole society benefits from gender sensitive formation that prepares students for equitable regard of both women and men. The study recommends that there is need to include African Women's Theology in the curriculum of all theological schools and institutions of higher learning that offer Theology and Religious Studies.
Assessment of women's participation in community Based projects in upper manza water and sanitation Project in Tala Division, Kangundo District
(2013-11-13) Munuvi, Dorcas Ngina; Okemwa, Pacificah Florence; Wanjama, Leah
This study sought to assess the participation of women in community based projects. The major focus was on participation of women in Upper Manza Water and Sanitation Project. The' study used purposive sampling to select key project officials and local leaders. Other participants were selected through stratified random sampling to give primary data with the qualitative data analyzed using Microsoft word editor. This data was also collated and organized according to the study objectives. Evidence from this study showed that women in Upper Manza Water and Sanitation Project have not fully taken their numerical advantage to assert their contributions in running the project. This is despite they being the main beneficiaries of improved water management in the community; their substantial contributions are largely hidden behind social norms regarding gender roles and relations. It is, therefore, recommended that women's empowerment must be the concern of both women and men and the degree to which a project is defined as potentially empowering women is shown by the extent to which it addresses women's practical and immediate needs.
Determinants of participation of boys and girls in student leadership, a case of Laikipia east constituency, laikipia county, Kenya
(2014-08-12) Muriithi, Caroline Nyaguthii; Okemwa, Pacificah Florence; Wamue-Ngare, G.N.
The proposed study seeks to examine the determinants of participation of boys and girls in student leadership in mixed secondary schools in Laikipia East Constituency, Laikipia County of Kenya. This is because, while population by gender in these schools is almost equal; 55.4% boys and 44.6% girls, most leadership positions are held by boys. The above scenario poses possible challenges to the quest to have boys and girls enjoy equal opportunities in all spheres. If not addressed from all plausible angles, it may hinder any positive outcomes of a gender responsive society. The key aspects to be established by this study shall include; the exact ratio of boys and girls in student councils, characteristics considered in selection of student leaders, methods used in the selection and any effective strategies that may help in achieving parity in student representation in mixed secondary schools. The proposed study shall employ a descriptive survey design to collect primary and secondary data with the main instrument being the questionnaire backed up by interviews. The target population shall be all the twelve mixed secondary schools of which a 30% sample of four shall be picked using probability sampling methods. Data will be coded and later analyzed using SPSS 11.5 software. The anticipated results can be of help to school administrators, policy makers, education counselors and sociologists who are constantly making efforts to achieving a gender responsive society.
Factors influencing women's participation in Parliamentary elections in Gatundu South Constituency, Kiambu County
(2013-11-07) Ndungu, Rosemary Njeri; Wamue-Ngare, G.N.; Okemwa, Pacificah Florence
This study examined the factors that influence the political participation of women in parliamentary elections in Gatundu South Constituency. The study was based on the premise that there are socio-cultural and value related factors, which contribute to the subordination and marginalization of women in politics. The study therefore, attempted to identify and describe these factors, as well as suggest ways of overcoming the challenges facing women in political participation in that constituency. Liberal feminist theory and the concept of patriarchy guided the study. The study targeted registered voters in two of the six wards in the constituency. Polling stations in the selected wards served as the sampling units for the study. Simple random sampling was used to select two polling stations from each of the selected wards .Systematic sampling was employed to sample 30% ofthe registered voters from the selected polling stations. Three women, who had sought nominations in different political parties as parliamentary candidates, were purposively selected and interviewed for the study. A divisional-efficerrapliiefand two assistant chiefs also served as key informants. •. ~;~<,:/\:::):~';:';:-i'~ I"" Primary data were collected thro~) s&rrti-structured questionnaires and interview guides. Secondary data were o~iair1ed thro gh library research- ' , \\ • r Data analysis was done using tfue.Statistical Package for Social S'ciences (SPSS) Version 17.0 and the findings p~\ts,e~){?d,'in ~ables,gr~phs,incl-figures. Findings form qualitative data are presented in a It'~i:r'~~j'~f~~~Otrrheredeatch found that there are numerous challenges that have hinderedthe-pelitieal participation of women in Gatundu South Constituency. These include; lack of funds to finance political campaigns, being sidelined by political parties, outdated cultural practices and stereotypes that portray women as the weaker sex as well as political violence during electoral campaigns. To address these challenges, the study recommends the following measures: intensifying gender responsive civic education, restructuring political parties to ensure free and fare elections in their nominations, training women political aspirants in practical skills such as public speaking and planning political campaigns, providing female aspirants with funds to finance their political campaigns as well as eliminating gender- based violence during electoral campaign.
The Influence of Gender Quotas on Women’s Participation in Legislative Processes in the National Assembly of the 11th Parliament of Kenya (2013 - 2017)
(IJCAB Publishing Group, 2020) Anumo, Felogene Gor; Okemwa, Pacificah Florence
This study sought to explore whether indeed the increase in number of women occasioned by Affirmative Action principles in the 2010 Constitution of Kenya has enhanced women’s political participation in the National Assembly. The specific objectives were: to analyze the levels of women parliamentarians’ participation on agenda setting and policy output in the National Assembly; to assess the effectiveness of gender quotas as a political tool for ensuring pursuance of the gender agenda in the National Assembly and to discuss constraints faced by women parliamentarians as they seek to influence policy output and enact laws. The March 4, 2013 General Elections which ushered in the 11th Parliament were considered landmark owing to the fact this it was the first General Election to incorporate affirmative action seats. As the term of the 11th Parliament came to a close, it was highly important to find out how effective gender quotas have been in achieving meaningful change for women representatives. The study was guided by Hanna Pitkin’s (1967) framework that she employed in her work “Conception of Women’s Political Representation”. The study was additionally informed by Dahlerup (1988) “Critical Mass theory”. The study made use of cross-sectional descriptive study design. The study was done with members of KEWOPA from the National Assembly of the Parliament of Kenya. The membership of the association consists of all the women Members of Parliament from all the political parties both elected and nominated. The target population of the study were the 68 KEWOPA members from the National Assembly with a sample size of 40 respondents calculated using the Yamane model. Questionnaires were used as the main data collection tool alongside key informant interviews and in-depth interviews. Validity and reliability of the instruments were measured to ensure accuracy and consistency. The study data was analysed thematically. A descriptive approach was involved where direct quotes and selected comments from informants have been used to explain the trends. Triangulation of data was done by looking into complementary and divergent opinions across the key informant interviews and in-depth interviews. The findings of the study suggest that there is still need to create and expand opportunities for women parliamentarians to enable them become more active and effective participants in the legislative processes of the National Assembly. The findings raises the question on what current efforts are being put in place by political parties and the Registrar of Political parties to ensure that the Affirmative Action. The findings are useful to assess the gains of women political representation and inform the lessons; experiences and can be harnessed to strengthen effective women’s political participation in legislature and policy making. They will contribute to informed public debate and critique on the effectiveness of women’s affirmative action for increased participation and visibility on political platforms. Finally, legislators in parliament and policy makers in government will benefit from insights into what it takes to effectively support women’s participation in legislative processes and how to leverage their numbers in parliament to the country’s advantage. Women aspirants need to be made aware of the challenges they expect to face at the National Assembly. It is also critical to raise awareness among women aspiring politicians and other members of the community to create awareness and address the stereotypes that have continued to ensure only a handful of women succeed in the legislative space. As women and women’s organisations continue to agitate for an increase in number of women legislators, they should equally work to transform the ideology of patriarchy and retrogressive institutional culture in Parliament.
The influence of secular music on secondary school going girls' social behaviour in Nairobi county
(2014-08-12) Nyaboga, Tabitha Buranda; Okemwa, Pacificah Florence; Mildred, J. L.
This study aims to examine the influence of secular music on public, day secondary school going girls' social behavior in Nairobi County. The study will be based on a premise that adolescents listen to music for three to four hours a day. The lyrics to the songs they listen do usually encourage casual sex, violence and drug use. In addition, the Kenyan law in broadcasting is not stringent on censorship of such music. The study, therefore, will set out to find whether secular music has an influence on adolescents. The social learning theory by Bandura will guide the study. The study will target a total sample of 276 respondents. Three members of the Board of Governor, three deputy Head teachers and 270 students will make up the sample respondents. Four data collecting instruments will be used. These include: questionnaires, interviews, content analysis and focused group discussions. Data collected from this study will be both qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative data will be analyzed thematically and through content analysis. On the other hand, quantitative data will be analyzed through Pearson-product-moment correlation.
The place and role of women in the S.D.A church in Kenya (1911-1990)
(2012-05-08) Okemwa, Pacificah Florence
This study examines the place and role of women in the S.D.A Church in Kenya. The theoretical framework used in this study examines patriarchy as the basis of women's subjugation. This is because the patriarchal society clearly defined what women should do, say and how they should behave. Women's sphere of influence was the home. The basic argument in this study is that women have been relegated to a subordinate position. Consequently, these women only play minor roles in the church. Chapter one outlines the procedure that is used in investigating and analysing data. It also lays out the methodology used. Chapter two describes the traditional Gusii society. It uncovers some of the subtle aspects of this society plus some practices and beliefs that are oppressive to women. This information is used as a basis for analysis in later chapters. Chapter three examines adventist missionary education. This discussion shows how the missionary education contributed to the subordination of women in the S.D.A Church in Kenya. The missionaries trained men to become evangelists while women were encouraged to get married to the mission boys. Chapter four examines the factors influencing the place and role of women in the S.D.A Church in Kenya since its establishment, the Bible, the teaching of Ellen G.White and the culture of the Abagusii. This chapter also analyses the ordination practice in the S.D.A Church. An attempt is made to show how ordination has been used to keep women out of the leadership positions and decision making in the Church. In chapter Five, the roles of women in the S.D.A church are described and interpreted. Here ,it is observed that women play only minor roles. Finally, we conclude the wholistic development and participation of women in Church affairs. Therefore, it is suggested that the S.D.A church has to open all ministries to women in order for it to adhere to the authentic Christian principles.
The Place and Role of Women in the S.D.A. Church in Kenya (1911-1990)
(Kenyatta University, 1994) Okemwa, Pacificah Florence
This study examines the place and role of women in the S.D.A. Church in Kenya. The theoretical framework used in this study examines patriarchy as the basis of women's subjugation. This is because the patriarchal society clearly defined what women should do, say and how they should behave. Women's sphere of influence was the home. The basic argument in this study is that women have been relegated to a subordinate position. Consequently, these women only play minor roles in the church. Chapter One outlines the procedure that used in investigating and analysing data. It also lays out the methodology used. Chapter two describes the traditional Gusii society. It uncovers some of the subtle aspects of this society plus some practices and beliefs that are oppressive to women. This information is used as a basis for analysis in later chapters. Chapter three examines Adventist missionary education. This discussion shows how the missionary education contributed to the subordination of women in the S.D.A. Church in Kenya. The missionaries trained men to become evangelists while women were encouraged to get married to the mission boys. Chapter four , examines the factors influencing the place and role of women in the S.D.A. Church. These include the white missionaries who have been serving the S.D.A. Church in Kenya since its establishment, the Bible, the teaching of Ellen G. White and the culture of the Abagusii. This chapter also analyses the ordination practice In the S.D.A. Church. Attempt is made to show how ordination has been used to keep women out of the leadership positions and decision making in the church. In Chapter five, the roles of women in the S.D.A.Church are described and interpreted. Here, it is observed that women play only minor roles. Finally, we conclude that the S.D.A. Church has hampered the wholistic development and participation of women in church affairs. Therefore, it is suggested that the S.D.A.Church has to open all ministries to women in order for it to adhere to the authentic christian principles.
The role of prisons in the administration of custodial Rehabilitation of inmates in Kenya: a case of Thika main prison, Kiambu County
(2013-11-13) Wekesa, Everlyne; Kimani, Elishiba; Okemwa, Pacificah Florence
This study sought to investigate the role of Prisons in the administration of custodial rehabilitation to men and women inmates in Thika Main Prison. Although, the role of Kenya Prison Service (KPS) is generally to rehabilitate and reform prisoners to control recidivism, contain and keep offenders in safe custody, facilitate administration of justice and promote prisoners' opportunities for social integration, there has been a lot of concern raised on the administration and management of Prison systems in Kenya including the effectiveness of the rehabilitation programmes offered. The objectives of the study were to identify the existing programmes for rehabilitation of inmates, assess the impact of the programmes offered to men and women inmates in rehabilitation, investigate the gender-specific challenges encountered by prison officers in rehabilitating men and women inmates and come up with strategies on how to address the challenges encountered thereof. The study was done at Thika Main Prison situated in Thika West District, Kenya. The participants in the study were 350 men and 200 women inmates serving sentences ranging from 2 and 7 years; and 60 prison officers dealing with rehabilitation. Simple random sampling was used to select 70 men and 40 women inmates while purposive sampling was applied to select 39 prison officers to participate. The main data collection instruments included; (1). Questionnaires administered to prison officers, (2). Focused Group Discussion (FGD) guide applied to inmates, (3). Observation checklist was prepared simultaneously to compliment the information gathered in the questionnaires and FGDs. Data was analyzed qualitatively through coding guided by themes generated through research questions and presented through descriptive statistics using tables and figures. The study established that vocational training, formal education, counseling and spiritual rehabilitation were the major rehabilitation programmes which positively changed inmates' lifestyles through promotion of behaviour change and that despite the rehabilitation programmes being offered, various challenges hampered effective service delivery by prison officers to inmates. The study therefore recommends that the prison institutions should uphold the best practices of good governance and management in their institutions so that the best prisons can be taken as a role model to others to replicate the rehabilitation programme services across other prisons in Kenya while inmates should be sensitized to develop positive attitude towards rehabilitation programmes as this would give room for peer counseling; among other recommendations.
Trends in women's alcohol consumption and its effects on the family in Kirinyaga West constituency, Kirinyaga county in Kenya
(2014-07-25) Mathenge, Teresia Wangeci; Okemwa, Pacificah Florence
The increase in alcohol use in Central Province has raised the concern of both the public and Government and has been identified as an acute problem. However, its increased use by women is of greater concern since they perform very central roles in the family. This study therefore seeks to examine whether excessive alcohol consumption by women affect families in Kirinyaga West and seek causes of the practice. The theory adopted for the study is the systems theory of the family advanced by Murry Bowen (1966) which explains that families are systems of interconnected and interdependent individuals who cannot be isolated from the system, with each member having a role to play for the wellbeing of others and rules to respect for its smooth running, failure to which it suffers dysfunction. The descriptive survey research design will be used whereby, centres of high alcohol preparation and consumption will be purposively selected and the non probability method used to select 60 households and 6 sub chiefs. Interview schedules and focus group discussions will be used to collect data on women patterns of alcohol consumption, reasons for increased alcohol use and effects this has on the family. Data will be presented by use of frequencies, pie charts and themes. The study is hoped to contribute to the ongoing NACADA researches on alcohol abuse and add to academic literature how alcohol consumption by women affect families especially in regard to the key roles that they perform. It may also lead to the inclusion and consideration of women's alcohol consumption while making policies such as those related to health and alcohol nationally hence useful in prioritizing targets for prevention and intervention.

Browsing by Author "Okemwa, Pacificah Florence"

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