Cultural Constraints Facing Table Banking Among Rural Women in Emurua Dikirr Sub-County, Narok County, Kenya

Abstract

Despite being majority of the population globally and in the workforce, only a small per cent of women are considered wealthy. There have been milestones accomplished towards women economic empowerment, but women especially in the developing world still face a myriad of challenges especially in matters of financial inclusion. This study sought to examine the cultural constraints faced by women practicing table banking in Emurua Dikirr Sub-County, Narok County. The study focused on Emurua Dikirr, Narok County because of significantly high poverty levels in the community and the existence of deeply rooted cultural norms that are mostly biased against women and their economic empowerment. The study adopted concurrent mixed methods approach using both phenomenological (descriptive) and survey research designs. The study targeted a population of 1646 people, including women practicing table banking, staff from the social services department and JOYWO field officers. A sample size of 169 was drawn using purposive, snow ball and cluster sampling techniques. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Data was then presented using percentages, pie charts, tables and graphs. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis where transcripts helped generate and present narratives. The study found out that 80% of the women in table banking are affected by cultural attitudes and beliefs. Majority of the women did not own any property or wealth. Land and other assets were solely under the custody of their husbands and male relatives. Others admitted to men controlling their loans and diverting them from the intended purpose.  Additionally, the study revealed that income generation was an activity reserved for men in the family, thus women were not included in any financial conversations of the family thereby excluding them from meaningful participation in any business. The study concluded that women in Emurua Dikirr face a myriad of cultural attitudes that negatively affect their performance in table banking and generally their personal lives. The study recommended that men should be sensitized and educated on the important role women play in economic growth of a community and a nation, thus the need for them to play a part in household income generation. The study also recommended that national policies should be strictly enforced to ensure that women are not denied any right to property or wealth. Women should be allowed to own land and property in their name without necessarily the consent of a male figure-head.