THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POLITICAL CONSIDERATION AND PROPORTION OF WOMEN IN TOP LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

Abstract

Introduction: In 2000 the United Nations member states ratified and committed themselves to achieving the eight millennium development goals. The most salient of the goals is number three that sought to promote gender equality and empower women. Despite the new constitution and other affirmative measures that have been undertaken by the Government of Kenya, there is still low representation of women in leadership in Kenya. Purpose: The study sought to determine the relationship between political consideration and proportion of women in top leadership positions in Kenya. The justification was driven by the realization that despite the affirmative action measures and the promulgation of the new Kenyan constitution which prohibits either gender from constituting more than two-thirds of any elected body, there has not been much progress in increasing the number of women in leadership positions. Research methodology: The thesis used the mixed method methodology (qualitative and quantitative). The study design was cross a sectional study and the data was collected using structure questionnaires, with closed ended questions for quantitative data and open ended questions for qualitative data. 221 senior managers in state corporations were sampled using stratified sampling technique. The questionnaires were self-administered. Results: The findings of this study suggest that there was a significant relationship between political considerations and Proportion of Women in Top Leadership Positions in state corporations in Kenya. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The thesis makes an important contribution in understanding the important role of political consideration Proportion of Women in Top Leadership Positions.