Differences between Men and Women Perception towards Gender Issues among Non-Teaching Staff of Egerton University, Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined gender equalities at the work place among the non-teaching staff in Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya. Gender equalities have been contentious globally. Gender segregation of labour has been identified in many countries including Kenya. The phenomenon of gender equalities among employees in public institutions have been attributed to existing barriers and obstacles. However gender equalities among the non-teaching staff of Egerton University has not been investigated. This study investigated the reasons as to why despite the fact that many male and female employees have similar qualifications and occupy senior and influential positions, gender equalities is still a concern. Objectives of this study was to evaluate factors hindering gender equalities at the work place among the non-teaching staff in public universities in Kenya especially Egerton University. This study was guided by the following specific objectives namely; to establish positions that are held by men and women among the non-teaching staff members of Egerton University, to examine the causes of gender equalities among the non-teaching staff members of Egerton University and to determine the difference in the way men and women perceive gender issues. The study was also guided by the social feminist theory. A random sample of 100 persons, both male and female employees were selected and involved in this study. The study utilized cross sectional design where data was collected using questionnaires administered to the selected respondents and supplemented by secondary sources of information. The unit of analysis was the individual university non-teaching staff. The data was processed and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The study found that there was gender equalities in the university and also indication that empowering male and female employees at work place in terms of job performance, personality, and self-motivation was likely to enhance equalities at the work place. The study also found out that there were more men in the administration of the University than women and majority of women were secretaries and cleaners. The study concluded that there is no gender equalities at the work place in Egerton University. The study recommends from here that affirmative action should be strictly implemented for both men and women to compete on the same level. Also women should be encouraged to venture into those fields which have been traditionally dominated by men, while men should be encouraged to venture in the fields that have traditionally been dominated by women for instant secretarial duties.