The influence of socio-cultural factors on gender inequality in Tunyo Division, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya.

Abstract

This study aimed at examining the socio-cultural factors influencing gender inequality. Despite many campaigns and policy restructuring to alleviate gender inequality in Kenya, gender inequality is still widespread. Women do not have equal access to opportunities as men making them generally poor and their poverty grip is yet to be broken. Women by and large have remained on the margins of their society hence majority do not exert their power and authority in the social, economic and political structures. The study sought to achieve the following objectives: examine how land inheritance; bride and gender roles influence gender inequality in Tunyo. The study is anchored on symbolic interactionism theory. Descriptive survey design was employed to assess contribution of socio-cultural factors on gender inequality in Tunyo Division.The study was based on triangulation of sampling techniques: stratified sampling was used as the households were categorized into locations; proportionate sampling was used to determine households from every location while simple random sampling was used to select the study respondents. Questionnaire and interview schedule were the instruments used for data collection. Data analysis was done using descriptive utilizing frequencies, percentages and means. Data was presented in form of pie charts, graphs and frequency tables. The study found out that land inheritance in the cormnunity follow patrilineal order and land registration in the community is mainly done on the husband’s name. Secondly, payment of bride price symbolize full ownership of a woman by the husband, bride price giving the husband authority over his wife and bride price qualifying a woman to be part of community property and therefore cannot inherit anything. Finally, men are vested with powers on decision making while women take care of the children. The main role of women is household chores and bringing up of children. It was recommended that there is need for the National government to work closely with county government and the ministry of lands to ensure that women are not discriminated on the basis of land and property inheritance. In addition, there is need for the government to initiate syllabuses that will promote gender equity and equality by avoiding gender roles. Parents also need to be sensitized and educated on the importance of a child but not as a male or female child.