Determinants of Participation of Women in Employment Public Transport: A Case of Matatu Sub-Sector in Kiambu County, Kenya
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Date
2017-07
Authors
Kariuki, Nancy Mukami
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Today, transport sector is an equal employer incorporation of both men and women.
Despite the fact that women make up almost the half of the world population, they
don't have opportunity to represent the same proportion in economic activities and
employment. The purpose of the study was to investigate the determinants of
women's participation in Matatu sub-sector of the transport industry in Thika
Township, Kenya. The specific objectives were to: examine the working conditions
that influence women's participation in Matatu sub-sector of the public transport in
Thika Township; identify the societies' perceptions towards women's participation in
Matatu sub-sector of the public transport in Thika Township; determine the
experiences of women's participation in Matatu sub-sector of the public transport in
Thika Township; establish strategies that can be used to encourage women to
participate in Matatu sub-sector of the public transport in Thika Township. The study
was anchored by Social Dominance and Cultural Modernity Theories. The research
design used for the study was descriptive survey. The study targeted 30 registered
SACCOs with 100 Matatu owners and 540 matatu workers all totaling to 670
respondents. Purposive sampling was used to select 10 SACCO managers and 30
matatu owners. A total of 164 matatu workers were also selected using simple random
sampling. This .translated to a total sample of 204 respondents. The study used
questionnaires and interview schedules as data collection tools. Piloting was done to
check on suitability and the clarity of the questions on the instruments. Quantitative
data were edited, entered into a computer and analyzed using descriptive statics such
as frequency and percentages with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS). Tables were used to present the data. Qualitative data from open-ended items
in the questionnaires, interview guides and focused group discussions were organized
into common themes, presented in direct quotes and discussed as per the objectives of
the study. Findings of the study revealed that not all women working in the transport
sector worked in a good condition. There was a significant association between
perceptions and women's participation in transport industry. Women also experienced
various forms of violence including labeling and sexual harassment. The study
concluded that schedules of matatus were not affected by gender difference since the
services were routine. The study also concluded that women continuously experience
harassment in all places including the work places despite the efforts that have been
put placed to empower them. The study recommended that stakeholders in public
transport sector need to redesign work conditions such as. schedules, time and
flexibility challenges to enable women participate effectively to earn a living.
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of Masters of Gender and Development Studies Degree of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences of Kenyatta University, July, 2017
Keywords
Public Transport, Kenya