Gender Mainstreaming Strategies and Combating Gender-Based Violence in Homa Bay County, Kenya
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Date
2025-08
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Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Gender-based violence continues to affect many people around the world. While there has been broad research to understand gender-based violence, there is limited evidence to show the effect of gender mainstreaming strategies in combating gender-based violence in Homa Bay County. The study objectives were: To evaluate the effect of gender-responsive budgeting, strengthening policy frameworks, gender integration and awareness campaigns in combating gender-based violence in Homa Bay County, Kenya. The study was anchored on Social Learning theory and Structural Violence theory. The study adopted descriptive research design and ex-facto research design. Stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used. The research targeted 300 respondents including; County Executive Committee (CEC) Member Gender, Youth, Sports Talent Development, Culture Heritage and Social Services, Chief Officer Department of Gender, Youth, Sports Talent Development, Culture Heritage and Social Services, Director Gender and Inclusivity employees in the department, law enforcement, healthcare providers, community-based organizations (CBO) representatives, and GBV survivors. The study had a sample size of 171 respondents. Questionnaires, interview guides and Focus Group Discussions aided in collecting both quantitative and qualitative data. Pilot study was conducted in Kisumu County among 17 respondents. Content, face and construct validity were used. Test-retest reliability was adopted. The collected data was analyzed with the SPSS version 26 and Nvivo Software. Tables, charts and graphs were used to present the data. The study ensured informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity when collecting and processing the data. The study findings showed that gender-responsive budgeting, policy framework, gender integration and awareness campaigns had a positive significant relationship toward combating gender-based violence. The study concluded that gender mainstreaming strategies are crucial in combating gender-based violence. It emphasized the need for inclusion of gender priorities in the budgeting process through GRB, strengthening policy frameworks, enhanced gender integration and raising awareness campaigns through aspects of inclusivity, coordination, and community sensitization to mitigate the ever-challenging GBV issue. The study recommended that there is need for institutionalization of gender mainstreaming strategies, enhanced sensitization and public education at community level and informed coordination and community involvement in enforcing strengthened policies. There should be ample funding, inclusive planning and transparency through GRB. Also, continuous training and capacity building for county officials and stakeholders should be carried out to enhance accountability, policy implementation, and the effectiveness of GBV prevention efforts.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Public Policy and Administration of Kenyatta University, August 2025.
Supervisor
1. Jane Gakenia Njoroge