Influence of gender equity on decision making processes in Selected saccos in Uasin Gishu county, Kenya

Abstract

The development of effective gender mainstreaming techniques that effectively and authoritatively ensure the focus on gender equity in all policy areas depends heavily on women in decision-making positions. The achievement of socio-economic development depends largely on gender equity. Gender inequity is one of the root reasons of low productivity in most organizations. Kenya recognizes that development can only be sustained if women and men participate and benefit equally from economic, social, and cultural development processes, and if they fully exploit their potentials. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of gender equity on decision making processes in deposit taking SACCO‘s in the Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Specifically, it sought to analyze the effect of gender representation, education levels based on gender, levels of women involvement in terms of voice and status of women in terms of income on decision making process. The study was based on two theories; liberal Feminism theory and structural functionalism theory. The study used descriptive research design and targeted 11 managers and 867 delegates. A sample size of 266 delegates and 11 managers was used in the study. Proportionate and simple random sampling was used to select delegates while purposive sampling was used to select the managers. The study used questionnaires, interviews and document analysis to collect both quantitative and qualitative data making the study a mixed methods approach. A pilot study was carried out in SACCOs in Trans-Nzoia County. Validity was determined by consulting research supervisors to improve data collection tools. Reliability was determined through the use of Cronbach Alpha. The quantitative data was analysed with the help of SPSS using frequencies, percentages, mean and Standard deviation. Pearson Correlation and Regression analysis was employed to determine relationship that exists between the independent and dependent variables. Qualitative data was thematically classified and arranged before they were reported in narrations and quotations as per the research objectives. The study found out that there was a significant positive correlation between gender representation and decision making (r = .387; p = .000), education levels and decision-making (r = .372; p = .000), women involvement in terms of voice and decision making (r = .453;p = .000) and status of women in terms of income and decision-making processes in deposit taking Saccos (r = .367;p = .000). It was concluded that gender representation, education levels based on gender, women involvement in terms of voice and status of women in terms of income accounted for 63.3% variation in decision making process in deposit taking Saccos and thus there is need for a study on other factors which accounts for 36.7% in decision making process. The study concluded that gender representation, education levels, women involvement in terms of voice and status of women in terms of income influenced positively decision-making processes in deposit taking Saccos. The study recommended that there is need for incorporating more women in to decision making organs in deposit taking Saccos since presence of women particularly with diverse education levels in Sacco boards is associated with efficiency in decision-making process.