Gender and Development Studies Research Papers/Topics

Gender differences in the predictors of career indecision of secondary school students in Kenya

Abstract/Overview The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of career indecision by gender. A sample of 359 (162 male and 197 female) secondary school students were surveyed on career indecision, career readiness, locus of control, vocational identity, self esteem, social support and career decision making self efficacy. Using multiple regression analysis, the predictor variables were able to account for 32.9 % of variance in males and 32.8% variance in females. Career readin...

Determinants of Income Inequality in East Africa: The Role of Gendered Foreign Aid

This manuscript investigates the impact of gender-focused foreign aid on income inequality in East Africa, a topic with limited existing research. This research adds value by providing practical recommendations for policymakers to enhance the effectiveness of aid programs in fostering economic equity through targeted interventions. Using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) on panel data from three East African countries for over a decade provides robust evidence that gender-sensitive aid...

Empowerment through Reservation: Experiences of Scheduled Tribe Gram Panchayat Members in Karnataka

Decentralisation of power through affirmative action such as seat reservations, aims to recognize the rights of weaker sections and women. This is a qualitative study examined the experiences and challenges of Scheduled Tribe (ST) members in Gram Panchayat (GP) administration. Centre for Multi-disciplinary Development Research (CMDR) in Dharwad, organised a training programme and gathered information through focused group discussions (FGD) and personal interactions. The study observed that ov...

MEETING WOMEN'S STRATEGIC INTERESTS THROUGH MICRO-ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

This paper interrogates the question of using micro-enterprise development for meeting women's strategic interests. Using conceptual analysis and specific case studies, it examines paradigm shifts in development and their implications for gender equity and social justice questions. In the process, it reveals shifts in paradigms; namely, development for versus development with the people, efficiency versus equity, and welfarism versus empowerment. It then examines the implications of the shift...

GIRL CHILD EDUCATION IN THE SAVELUGU-NANTON MUNICIPALITY: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME'S INTERVENTIONS

The study examined the contributions of food aid provided by the World Food programme (WFP) towards ensuring girl-child enrolment and retention at the basic level in the Savelugu-Nanton Municipality. The study resorted to qualitative and quantitative approaches in data collection, analysis and presentation. Qualitatively, observation, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were the main techniques used. Quantitatively, the study employed face to face interviews for questionnaire...

URBAN WOMEN'S CHOICE OF LIVELIHOOD STRATEGIES IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS OF GHANA

The primary purpose of this study has been to examine the determinants, steps and processes of choice making among women in urban Tamale regarding their livelihoods pursuits. The study was conducted in the Tamale Metropolis and entailed the use of the survey design to guide data collection. Data collected was analyzed largely through qualitative methods with a small quantitative component. Data from the participants were obtained through a semi-structured interview guide with few focus group ...

THE EFFECTS OF HEAD PORTERAGE ON GIRL-CHILD EDUCATION IN THE TAMALE METROPOLITAN AREA OF GHANA

This thesis examines the effects of head porterage on children engaged in it. The study uses the qualitative methods to examine how head porterage which has become an economic venture for many affects the education of the girls engaged in it. The research sampled respondants using purposive sampling, snow ball sampling and convenience sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and migration stories. Major findings in the study revealed that there w...

COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR GIRL CHILD EDUCATION IN DAMONGO

Formal education plays a vital role in the development of human capital for empowerment, therefore there is the need for parental and community involvement which can positively influence learners academic success regardless of a family's wealth or education. The study which is a descriptive survey, sought to find out the role of parents and community members in supporting girls education and also any other barriers which limit the education of girls in West Gonja District. The views of adult ...

GENDER DISPARITIES IN THE STUDY OF SCIENCE IN SECOND CYCLE SCHOOLS IN GHANA: THE CASE OF UPPER WEST REGION

The study focused on the causes of gender disparities in the study of science in second cycle schools in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The mixed method design comprising both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data. Eight purposively sampled senior high schools were used for the study and data collection tools such as interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaire and observations were used to collect data for the research. Results of the study revealed that schoo...

CHILD MARRIAGE AND FEMALE EDUCATIONAL PROGRESSION IN THE WA WEST DISTRICT: THE PERSPECTIVES OF STAKEHOLDERS

Child marriage in the Wa West District is visibly the biggest barrier to female participation in education as it is in other parts of Ghana. The study set out to identified how and why child marriage is a threat to female educational progression in the district. This study is based on the theory of human capital development and on the theories of patriarchy and feminism to emphasis the relevance of education, barriers to education and efforts being made to bridge those barriers. Situated in s...

Knowledge of menstruation and fertility among adults in rural Western Kenya: Gaps and opportunities for support

Abstract/Overview An understanding of menstruation and its relationship to fertility can help women know the gestational age of any pregnancies, and thus identify preterm births. It can also help women avoid unintended pregnancies. However, little is known about women, and especially men’s, menstruation and fertility knowledge, outside of research on adolescent girl’s stigma, and in low and middle income countries(LMIC). Additionally, little is known about practices surrounding the tr...

Factors limiting female access to science related programmes in technical training institutions in Nyanza region, Kenya

Abstract/Overview The low enrolment of female students in science related courses in tertiary institutions in Kenya has been in the public domain for some time and it is of concern to education policy makers. Women’s equal enrolment with their male counterparts in science related courses is key to drive Kenya’s Vision 2030. This initiative aimed at making the country a newly industrializing middle income country by providing high quality life for all its citizens. The purpose of the s...

Motivation of women academics and balancing family & career

Abstract/Overview This study examines the experiences of women academics in relation to factors that motivated them towards academia and challenges experienced while balancing family and career, and highlighting strategies that they have employed to reach their present professional and academic ranks. The study is a contribution to knowledge and the extant literature on women academics’ career experiences which has been under-researched, especially in Kenya. It claims to have made a con...