Factors influencing active participation of women in secondary school education management in Migwani Sub-County, Kitui County Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish factors that influence active participation of women in secondary school education management in Migwani Sub County. The study was guided by the Feminist theory which recognizes the pervasive influence of gender divisions on social life. The study employed descriptive survey design. It involved a study population of 40 principals, 172 female teachers and one Sub County Director TSC. The sample size was selected using stratified simple random sampling. The sample population involved 20 principals, 60 female teachers and one Sub County Director (TSC). Questionnaires and interview guide were used to collect data. The data collected was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative techniques with the help of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). The data was presented by use of percentages and frequencies. The findings of the study indicated that factors such as gender stereotyping, family responsibilities, lack of interest in management positions and low levels of the implementation of affirmative action adversely influence active participation of women in secondary school management in Migwani Sub County. It was therefore concluded that unless such factors are looked in to and corrected appropriately, the number of women actively participating in education management in secondary schools will remain low compared to that of their male counterparts. The following recommendations were done n order to remedy the situation. Teachers Service Commission should encourage female teachers to apply for vacant management posts whenever they are advertised. The Government of Kenya should use appropriate forums to advise men to support and encourage their spouses to participate in education management. The Government and schools should review school policies, practices and procedures that hinder or discourage women from participating in educational management. The Government should come up with more affirmative action policies at the school and college levels and ensure that they are implemented in order to correct gender imbalance and to guarantee women opportunities for participation in school management positions and policy making. The Ministry of Education Science and Technology should promote more female teachers who will act as role models and mentors for other women in the realm of academia. The government and the church should work together and ensure that members of the society are enlightened and encouraged to discard traditional beliefs that women are inferior to men and that domestic work and taking care of children are women roles. Members of the society should be made to understand that women are as competent as men in education management. The government should sensitize citizens on the need to appoint more women to management positions in education whenever an opportunity arises. The government should sensitize religious organizations and politicians on the need to stop discrimination based on religion and sex in nomination of women to serve in educational management positions as principals. It was believed that once the recommendation have be put in place as expected then this may attract more women in educational management of secondary schools in Migwani Sub County and in Kenya at large.