Conference Agenda

1. Problem statement

The World Economic Forum initially presented the Global Gender Gap Index in 2006 to assess advancements toward gender equality and evaluate countries' gender disparities across four aspects: economic participation, educational attainment, health outcomes, and political representation. Since then, most countries across the globe have performed relatively well in relation to the first three dimensions towards reducing gender discrepancies. Unfortunately, there is a sluggish pace in bridging gender gaps to allow for women’s participation in the political spectrum. Various efforts have been made to identify challenges and barriers that keep women out of key political decision-making roles. The specific issue of concern is that while the previous research has successfully identified barriers and challenges that prevent women from participating in politics, there is limited research that highlights potential risks associated with women’s participation in politics. Therefore, this paper aims to assess the potential risks associated with political participation. By understanding the risks involved in political participation, the paper intends to identify potential threats, analysing their likelihood and severity, and determine the necessary measures to mitigate those risks.

2. Methodology

To achieve the aim of this paper, a systematic review of literature was conducted to highlight key themes that relate to risks associated with political participation. Specifically, scholarly peer reviewed articles and non-scholarly documents such as reports by governmental and non-governmental organizations were reviewed systematically.

3. Findings

The paper highlights the following key findings: women participating in politics are likely to be prejudiced. In that regard, evidence suggest that women participating in politics tend to be harshly judged in terms of their performance as opposed to their male counterparts. While political violence has consistently affected both men and women in the political realm, this finding indicates that women who intend to venture into the political arena should be psychologically and mentally prepares to deal with any form of political violence. Political assassination is one of the forms of political violence which may be experienced by those who participate in politics. Sexual harassment has been identified as one of the potential risks that women are like to face once the enter political space.

4. Proposals

To mitigate against the potential risks that women are likely face in politics, it is imperative that both national and international organisations should draft comprehensive plans to educate the society on how to eschew unjustifiable prejudice against female politicians. At the same time, effective measures should be drafted and implemented to curb political killings, which can dissuade women from participating in politics. In essence, addressing risks associated with political participation can positively contribute towards reduction of gender gap in political representation across the globe.

Abstract

Good governance is the cornerstone of societal transformation. It involves good decision making, effective use of resources, transparency, effective and efficient delivery of services, and involvement of all stakeholders. This paper is based on the conference sub-theme titled: - shaping the future of governance: transforming mindsets, enhancing skills and expanding knowledge. The focus of this paper is to establish factors that bar women participation in governance in Kenya and ways in which to transform mindsets for inclusive governance.

The world has made great strides for increased inclusion of women in governance. The 2030 Agenda embody a roadmap for progress that leaves no one behind. The 5th Sustainable Development Goal on gender and equality emphasizes equal opportunities for women to get leadership positions at all levels.

Kenya’s Legal, Policy and Institutional framework too have provided an avenue for gender mainstreaming across all sectors in order to generate efficient and equitable development outcomes for all Kenyans. Moreover, Article 27 of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution provides for Equality and freedom of the law for every person. Women and men have the right to equal treatment and opportunities in political, economic, cultural and social spheres. Closing gender gaps in leadership is key to achieving the 2030 Agenda and Africa’s 2063 Agenda for sustainable development.

Despite Kenya’s progressive constitutional and statutory framework and the international declarations affirming the legal rights and equality of both sexes; the country is far from enjoying gender equality and equity especially in relation to women's position in governance and national development roles.

This paper seeks to explore the factors that bar women participation in leadership and governance in Kenya given that research indicates that the presence of women on corporate boards have a positive relationship between their presence and firm’s performance (Catalyst, 2007; Adam & Feirreira, 2009),the quality of governance in boardroom (Ruigrok et al., 2007) and that female voices in decision-making rooms and policies are more likely to address diverse issues, particularly those affecting women and marginalized communities.

The paper will first discuss the concept of governance, Kenya’s legal and policy provisions on governance. Theoretical framework relevant to women and governance, statistics on women representation in Kenya. The core of the paper will examine the structural, institutional and individual factors that women contend with in their efforts to participate in governance roles. Finally, the paper will look at strategies to change of mindsets, enhance skills and expand women knowledge for their participation in governance. The paper will rely on both primary and secondary data that will be obtained through desk and field research. The findings of the study will inform gender perspective of leadership, management and governance theory and practice.

Education and employment are crucial for enhancing women's development capabilities. South Asian countries have adopted numerous measures to improve women's knowledge levels and enhance their employment skills, achieving notable results. India has implemented the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, which has enabled many women to participate in employment and secure income; additionally, the Mother Safety Programme has contributed to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates. Pakistan has established the Women's Development Fund to support women's entrepreneurship projects and skills training, while the Benazir Income Support Programme assists low-income populations. Sri Lanka provides tax and credit incentives, along with training guidance, to help women overcome barriers to entrepreneurship. Bangladesh has adopted a series of educational policies and programs to encourage girls' enrollment in schooling, and through the "Information Ladies" initiative, it offers financial support for women to establish small businesses. Nepal has rolled out multiple rural development programs to enhance agricultural training and microfinance access for women, and has enacted legislation prohibiting gender discrimination in employment. Afghanistan has formulated a strategy for the role of women in agriculture, affirming their value. However, It still faces the problems of marginalization, impoverishment and gender gap of women's development. For further development, it is necessary to continuously upgrade rural public services and healthcare capabilities, strengthen vocational education and continuing education for rural women, and increase inclusive employment opportunities to improve women's "self-sufficiency" capabilities.