The Political Economy of Women's Work in Kenya: Chronic Constraints and Broken Barriers

Abstract

Investigates the work experiences of Kenyan women & their daily life situations inside & outside the home, drawing on secondary sources. It is shown that, despite differences across classes, regions, & ethnic communities, Kenyan women contribute greatly to the household, local, & national economies. Barriers to an expansion of their role in the economy are educational, cultural, political, & structural. Various groups of women, particularly in the urban areas, have worked either autonomously or through existing organizations to overcome these barriers; however, progress in this area has been slow & fragmented. It is suggested that further improvements of women's situation must be propelled by changes in gender attitudes & increased access to educational & economic opportunities. D. M. Smith