Women Economic Development in Kenya

One thing that we all agree on, Africa has got entrepreneurial talent among the women and youth but the environment is what many see as not conducive for such development. Taking gender lenses, Africa has got great potential to develop economically but the culture that we have has been so embedded in regards to gender that has made it difficult for women and youth to become independent.

Gender has been confused mostly to refer to women. Anytime gender affairs are being discussed, it is always allude to be affairs that involve the women. Gender consider the women, men, children and the marginalized groups. This is our understanding of our socialization as we grew up. Women have been crowned with particular roles that is expected of them.

The cultural and structural challenges that they face has been a great discouragement for women to engage in entrepreneurial activities. Women having in mind that their primary responsibility is confined in the private sectors which also they are seen not to be able to perform unless decisions are made for them. Many women thus have had the fear to engage in such activities with the fear of failing. And the few who had the courage to step out never have the change to do what they want as what they do is determined by someone else mostly by men. As young girls’ growing, their minds are already set to a particular way of future, one that is to be confined to the private sector and never the public sphere.

Women need to brace themselves, hey need more of capacity building and opportunity t be able to venture into entrepreneurial activities. Women have a actually had more of business success stories.

By: Nyabena Susan
Blogger/Gender Expert