Cultural Factors as Drivers of Women Leadership in Elective Positions in Nyamira County
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Date
2025-05
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Despite constitutional and institutional frameworks aimed at promoting gender equality in Kenya, women’s
representation in elective political positions remains critically low, especially at the county level. The under
representation of women in elective leadership is a global challenge to the realization of gender equality and
inclusive governance. This study investigates the drivers of women’s leadership in elective positions in
Nyamira County. The specific objective include the influence of cultural on women’s pursuit and attainment
of elective offices. Anchored in Patriarchy and Feminist Theories, the study employed a descriptive survey
design targeting 384 registered voters across the county’s four constituencies. The study used structured
questionnaires and interview schedules to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Descriptive and
inferential statistics were used for quantitative analysis, while qualitative responses were examined
thematically. The findings reveal that entrenched patriarchal norms, traditional gender roles, cultural taboos
and exclusionary political party structures continue to suppress women’s leadership ambitions. The study
concluded that entrenched cultural resistance to female candidacy, financial inequities in campaign
mobilization and political party biases significantly perpetuate systemic discrimination against women in
leadership engagement. The report suggests that political parties, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries
Commission (IEBC), and the Kenyan Parliamentcounty governments, and gender advocacy organizations
prioritize the implementation of gender-responsive policies and legal reforms. The study also recommends
deliberate policy enforcement, targeted civic education, gender-sensitive electoral reforms and the
institutionalization of quota systems
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Ongeri, T., & Njoroge, J. (2025). Cultural factors as drivers of women leadership in elective positions in Nyamira County. Reviewed Journal of Social Science & Humanities, 6 (1), 586 – 602