Mutabai, ClaraYussuf, IbrahimTimamy, FirdausNgugi, PhoebeWaraiciri, PatriciahKwa, Ng‟eno2023-07-202023-07-202016Mutabai, C., Yussuf, A. I., Timamy, F., Ngugi, P., Waraiciri, P., & Kwa, N. (2016). Patriarchal societies and women leadership: Comparative analysis of developed and developing nations. International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, 4(3), 356-366.2348-3164http://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/26350ArticleAll around the world, the man has been seen to dominate over the woman. This can be blamed by on colonial teachings as well as biblical teachings that dictate that the man is superior to the woman. Male dominated nations are said to be patriarchal societies. Patriarchy is defined by (Walby,1990) as a system of attitudes and structures which men hold power over women or patriarchy can be defined as males holding power over women, and subsequently creating structures that prevent women from accessing power or resources. (Kalabamu,2006) suggests that men obtain power from social norms within a given culture. Thus this paper views the absence of women in leadership in Developing and Developed nations comparing a country like South Africa to Kenya and many African countries as the reason for continued patriarchal systems and poverty among women. The paper will also highlight culture as the greatest hindrance to women leadership as well as highlight how the male takes charge in matters of education, economic resources and political status to gain power. This supports the conceptualization of patriarchy as a system ‘under which cultural norms and common laws defining men’s and women’s rights, privileges, status and duties are defined. This paper suggests that patriarchy in the form of attitudes and structures influence gender inequality and contribute to feminization of poverty. These structures and attitudes hinder women from participating in most aspects of society.enPatriarchyWomenLeadershipArticle