Social-Cultural Factors Affecting Women in Decision Making and Conflict Resolutions Activities in Garissa County
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SOCIAL-CULTURAL FACTORS AFFECTING WOMEN IN DECISION MAKING AND CONFLICT RESOLUTIONS ACTIVITIES IN GARISSA COUNTY. BY NKUMBUKU LUKE MUNGIRIA A Research Project Report Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of Degree of Master of Arts in Project Planning and Management of the University of Nairobi 2013 DECLARATION AND RECOMMENDATION This research project is my original work and has not been presented for award of a degree in any other University. Sign…………………………… …………………… Nkumbuku Luke Mungiria Date Reg. L50/65713/2010 This research project has been submitted for examination with our approval as University Supervisors. Sign……………………………… ………………… Dr. Anne Aseey Senior Lecturer, University of Nairobi Date Sign……………………………… ……………….. Mohamed Aden Noor Date Lecturer, University of Nairobi ii DEDICATION This research project has been dedicated to my wife, Aileen Kajuju Mungiria, for the efforts she made to enable me reach this far, encouragement and inspirations. To my sons Billy Mwenda, Shem Gitobu and Tony Kithinji, I love you all and take great exception in appreciating your support and encouragement. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The completion of this study was made possible through the effort of many players. I therefore extend my most sincere thanks to all those who participated in this effort, including the staff of department of Gender and Social Development, for providing the scholarship, without which this study could not have been undertaken. I am also indebted to the University of Nairobi lecturers, led by Dr. Anne Aseey and Mr. Mohamed Aden Noor, who were my supervisors, for their constant advice, guidance, corrections and psychological support. My sincere thanks also go to the Garissa Extra Mural Centre staff of the University of Nairobi, including but not limited to, the resident lecturer, Dr Kyalo, the centre organizer as well as the administrative staff, for their care, guidance and concern throughout the study period. May ALLAH bless you abundantly. iv TABLE OF CONTENT Declaration and recommendation .............................................................................................. ii Dedication ................................................................................................................................iii Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................. iv List of tables ............................................................................................................................. ix Abbreviations ............................................................................................................................ x Abstract .................................................................................................................................... xi CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.0 Background to the study........................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Statement of the problem ........................................................................................................ 2 1.3 Purpose of the Study ..................................................................................................................... 3 1.4 Objectives of the study.................................................................................................................. 3 1.5 Research questions ........................................................................................................................ 4 1.6 Significance of the study ............................................................................................................ 4 1.7 Scope of the study ........................................................................................................................ 5 1.8 Limitation of study ....................................................................................................................... 5 1.9 Delimitation of the study .............................................................................................................. 5 1.10 Assumptions of the study ........................................................................................................... 6 1.11 Definition of significant terms ................................................................................................... 6 CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 8 2.1 Women leadership in traditional African societies ..................................................................... 8 v 2.2 The Feminist Theory ................................................................................................................... 11 2.3 Concept of Gender, women and Peace Building....................................................................... 12 2.4 The Concept of Conflict. ............................................................................................................ 12 2.5 Conflict Resolutions In General ................................................................................................. 14 2.6 Gender and Conflict During Warfare. ...................................................................................... 15 2.7 Social-Cultural factors affecting women in decision making and conflict resolutions. ......... 15 2.7.1 Influence of patriarchal system and structures among the Somali community.................... 16 2.7.2 Effects of female circumcision on women empowerment and conflict resolutions ............ 17 2.7.3 Traditional beliefs system as they affect women leadership and decision making ............. 18 2.7.4 Traditional marriages and widow inheritance influences on women leadership ................. 22 2.7.5 Community attitudes towards women leadership, decision making and conflict resolutions. ............................................................................................................... 24 2.7.6 Culture and Personality theory as it affects leadership and decision making ...................... 26 2.8 Review of related studies on women, conflicts and decision making. .................................... 28 2.8.1 Other Cultural Factors Affecting Women’s Participation in Conflict Resolutions ............. 29 2.8.2 Conflict at local and international level and its implication on women and children ......... 30 2.8.3 Women as Combatants ............................................................................................................ 35 2.8.4 Efforts to Addressing Women’s Issues during Armed Conflicts .......................................... 36 2.8 Theoretical Framework .................................................................................................... 39 CHAPTER THREE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3,0 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 42 3.1 Research Design .......................................................................................................................... 42 3.2 Target Population ........................................................................................................................ 42 3.3 Sample and sampling procedures ............................................................................................... 43 vi 3.4 Research instruments .................................................................................................................. 43 3.5 Validity of the instruments ......................................................................................................... 43 3.6 Reliability of the instrument ....................................................................................................... 44 3.7 Data collection procedures ........................................................................................................ 45 3.8 Data analysis ................................................................................................................................ 45 CHAPTER FOUR DATA ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATIONS 4.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 48 4.1 Questionnaire return rate ........................................................................................................ 48 4.2 Social-cultural factors affecting women’s participation in decision making and conflict resolutions activities in Garissa County. ............................................................................. 48 4.3 Bio-data ................................................................................................................................... 49 4.3.1 Age, Sex and Marital status ................................................................................................... 49 4.3.2 Level of education and occupation ........................................................................................ 50 4.3.3 Duration of residence in Garissa district ............................................................................... 50 4.4 Effect of social-cultural factors on women participation in decision making and conflict resolutions. ...........................................................................................................................