ISSUES AFFECTING WOMEN IN EAST AFRICA AND KENYA

 
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

World Wide Women compose over 51% of the population; that is, over 3 billion people. In the East African region the projections are the same. Throughout Africa issues that affect women are similar from one region to another and range from poverty, social cultural barriers, religion, reproductive rights and gender issues. The hurdles are experienced at different levels by women in various areas.

2.0   SIGNIFICANCE OF WOMEN ISSUES IN EAST AFRICA

•  2/3 of women are illiterate, that is only 30% can read and write
• Less than 10% of women have high paying jobs as managers. CEO's, directors, ministers etc.
• women compose a high number of people in part time jobs due to household chores
• women form a high percentage of poor people due to unemployment, low pay and non-participation in the informal sector
• women work for 80% of all working hours and earn only 10% of the income
• women own less than 10% of the region's property

3.0   ISSUES AFFECTING WOMEN

Women are affected socially, economically and politically.

 Women, Poverty and Economic Issues

The economic status for all the people in the East African region is largely dictated by the level and type of education and training an individual has. Women lag behind in these areas and therefore occupy the low cadre jobs. In business women are affected by lack of capital, lack of appropriate skills, and the social cultural norms and views about businesses. The legal framework is not conducive to women, due to frequent changes of regulations. Most women live in the rural areas and are hence more disadvantaged. Few women participate in the international trade due to lack of information and exposure. More women than men are leaving the region to work abroad as nurses, teachers and carers. They are often misinformed about the issues involved and most of them end up as illegal immigrants in those countries. To survive they take any job available and earn very little cash. They are therefore abused and exploited, based on race and gender.

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 The Social Cultural Roles

Women are normally hindered by the social cultural roles as wives and mothers and community maintainers. Early marriages, wife inheritance and rites like Female Genital Mutilation and circumcision affect women deeply. They drop out of school to get married, which normally take place at a very early age. Cultural rites affect women's health, education ad future development.

Women, Education, Training and Employment

Women's education is affected by high drop out rates, early marriages and lack of encouragement by the family and the society at large. Those who pursue higher education specialize in arts, which push them to administration or teaching jobs. In the world of work most women are concentrated in low-level jobs where they earn low salaries. Top management jobs are often taken by men who welcome other men to join them if a chance of promotion arises. Few women have advanced skills in technology use and therefore do not exploit this field.

Women, Health and Reproduction Rights

Women live longer than men by up to seven years. The status of a woman's health impacts on the whole family especially children. Women's health is jeopardized by child bearing, lack of family planning, menopause and the daily household chores. Women do not have any right over the reproduction process and this leaves their health at stake. This situation is further complicated by the scourge of HIV/Aids.

Gender Issues

Compared to men, women 'play on uneven ground', due to gender. This is observable in social, reproductive and productive roles. Women are usually confined within domestic roles, which are monotonous, tiring and cam' little responsibility with them. This is evident in the house holds, schools, offices and the community. Gender roles are socially determined and women from different regions experience them differently.

Domestic Violence

In cases of domestic violence women and children are usuallv the victims. They are normally abused physically and emotionally and experience a lot of trauma, besides being maimed.

Women and Disability

Unlike men, disabled women are among the poorest people in the world. They are voiceless and unrepresented. They lack skills and resources to support themselves and make them included in the mainstream economy.

Women headed Families

Women play a significant role within the family life as mothers, wives, and community managers. Yet, in East African region there are about 30% of women who are single parents. This is a large number of sole breadwinners which is increasing daily-due to conflicts, migrations, war, refugees and family value changes.

Women in Conflict Situations

The East African Region is surrounded by nations either in civil strife or in war with each other. Women and children are normally left at home when men run away or serve in the armv. Thev suffer due to lack of basic necessities, insecurity and abuse. Some die in such situations, which while others run a way as refugees, where they also face hard situations. On return home, they encounter hardships due to long absences from home.

Women and Politics

Women's vote is significant due to their number, yet they still do not vote in one of their own. They prefer to usher men into positions of leadership and decision-making. This is the reason why there are few women in organs of governments, for example, Parliament, Management Committees and Boards. This is mainly due to the socialization process.

Women and law

The laws in East Africa do not discriminate anvbodv. but this is not the practice. This includes sensitive areas such as family, property, children, marriage, education etc.

Women and Religion

75% of church members are women, but their participation in leadership is minimal. This is partly due to many churches, which do not ordain pastors to date. Positions of responsibility are therefore taken by men, because women shy away. In other cases they are not consulted at all. They are only welcome when it comes to sing in the choir, to work as ushers or entertainers. This is why most women have not practiced any management skills within church activities.