Enablers of Women's Participation in Self-Help Groups in Kiambu County, Kenya
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Date
2023-02
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Women are increasingly using Self-Help Groups as a strategy for transforming their social and economic lives through their active participation. The main aim of this study was to find out the factors that enable women to take part in SHGs in Ndenderu Ward of Kiambu County. Particularly, the researcher explored the role of family, self- fulfillment and financial factors in enhancing the degree of willingness for women to take part in SHGs. The research employed a cross-sectional descriptive survey design and a mixed methods approach which made use of both quantitative and qualitative data. The target population included women members of SHGs which have been registered and are located in Ndenderu Ward. The study sample was drawn from a total number of 30 registered SHGs. The sample size of 6 SHGs was identified using a simple random sampling technique and 20 respondents picked from each group thus making a sample size of 120 respondents for the survey. Other key informants included the leaders of the selected SHGs and the Ward Development Officer. The data was collected using structured questionnaire together with an interview schedule. The validity and reliability of data collection instruments was established before commencing data collection. The tool for quantitative analysis that was used was that of SPSS data analysis tool that enables statiscians to describe quantitative data in a descriptive way. On the other hand, content analysis was used in analysing qualitative data. The study findings were presented by using measures of central tendency where the measures were presented using tables and bar charts. The study was also guided by ethical values and principles and followed the guidelines provided by Kenyatta University Graduate School. According to the findings, family factors are not an important determinant of women’s participation in the SHGs in Kiambu County. Self-fulfillment and financial factors played a significant role in the determination of women’s participation in SHGs in Kiambu. The study recommended that researchers and community practitioners should conduct a survey to establish other critical determinants other than family factors since these were found not to have any effect on the participation of women in SHGs. The SHGs should add more emphasis on ensuring the support for the self-fulfilment factors as well as the financial factors that have been examined in the study since they were found to play a significant role in the participation of women in SHGs in Kiambu County. The Kiambu County government should also play an active role in the growth of SHGs by developing policies that will promote their expansion especially through administrative support, training, proper coordination and effective monitoring of their performance.