Implications of Visual Impairment (VI) on Performance of Gender Roles among Kipsigis Women in the Family in Kericho County, Kenya
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Date
2025-11
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
The study sought to assess how visual impairment affects the performance of gender roles among Kipsigis women in Ainamoi Sub County in Kericho County. Among the Kipsigis, there are gender roles performed by men and women. Attributable to patriarchy and other socially constructed aspects, it is women who end up performing most of these gender roles in families. The research objectives were – to establish the gender roles assigned to Kipsigis women; to find out how visually impaired women cope in performance of their gender roles; to examine the challenges faced by visually impaired Kipsigis women in the performance of gender roles; and to investigate the possible strategies that can be adopted to mitigate the challenges faced by visually impaired women in performing their gender roles. The research was conducted in Ainamoi Sub County, Kericho County. Households with visually handicapped women were the target. The investigation was guided by the social model of disability. The study employed a descriptive research methodology, and 166 participants were selected using a simple random selection procedure. A closed-ended questionnaire was used to gather data, and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21) was used for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used, and they were displayed as frequencies and percentages. Tables, charts, graphs, and summaries were used to display the data. Results showed that as a result of visual impairment, Kipsigis women in Ainamoi Sub County encounter challenges in mobility, identification and location of items and determination of quality. Challenges are also evident in meal preparation and cooking. Similarly, results showed that dependence on family and friends has seen visually impaired women cope with challenges, thereby perform their gender roles. It is recommended that family members motivate the visually impaired to perform their tasks. In cases of poor performance, family members should feel free to correct them. For businesses, it will be vital for them to provide necessary assistance to the visually impaired. For county and national governments, it is recommended that they create awareness to minimize stigma on disability. It is also recommended that the visually impaired are involved in decision making before implementation of programs and projects targeting them.
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Gender Development Studies) of Kenyatta University, November 2025.