A new research carried out by a gender studies centre in Nakuru shows majority of women in the county still suffer from gender imbalances.
According to the study that was released on Friday during a Women Empowerment Programme Workshop, at Tumaini Resort in Nakuru town, over seventy percent of women in Nakuru County are disadvantaged in life because of gender based issues.
According to the study by Institute of Women Advancement a subsidiary of the African Women Foundation some of the disadvantages which face women include poor education backgrounds, early marriages, domestic violence, diseases, wealth distribution, discrimination in leadership among others.
Institute of Women Advancement director Florence Asega told the participants that cultural traits and lack of commitment from the government over the years, has reduced women especially in rural area to second fiddles in society.
The study that was carried out in all sub counties of Nakuru County between May and September last year shows that many rural women are vulnerable to gender discrimination due to lack of awareness and leadership to overcome the challenges.
This study shows that unless the government and stakeholders puts in place policies that are aimed at mitigating gender imbalances, many women will continue to bear the blunt side.
We are challenging both the county and the national government to come up with gender awareness programmes on grassroots level to empower our women,’’ said Asega.
She stressed that Women must be recognised as equal members of society who have potentials to play active roles in community development and public administration circles.