Participation Of Women In Implementation Of Foreign Policy: Case Of Kenya From 2010 – 2017

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to examine the participation of women in implementation of foreign policy in Kenya. Implementation of foreign policy is a critical component internationally and is achieved through diplomacy, ware, foreign sanctions, and alliances. The role of women in the implementation of foreign policy has raised research interest over time. The study’s objectives were: to establish how women participate in decision making in the implementation of Kenya’s foreign policy between 2010 – 2017; to determine the role of women leadership in the implementation of Kenya’s foreign policy between 2010 – 2017; to assess the role of women capacity building in the implementation of Kenya’s foreign policy between 2010 – 2017; and to evaluate how women’s political participation influences the implementation of Kenya’s foreign policy between 2010 - 2017. This study analysed literature review on studies that have examined the relationship between women and international politics and how the contribution of women in the implementation of foreign policy can be theorized. Literature was organized into three key themes. In the first section, the study analyzes what has been covered by researchers with regard to Participation of women in foreign policy and the role of women in the implementation of foreign policy. The liberal feminist theory was used as the primary theory to assess the issues that affect women and their role of women in the international relations, and neoliberalism theory which emphasizes that international relations entail diverse actors and issues. An explanatory research design was employed. A total of 143 women working in the foreign affairs ministry in Nairobi formed the study’s target population. A sample of 72 was done using purposive sampling. A questionnaire was used to collect data, with data analysis being done using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that women’s decision making, leadership, capacity building, political participation all have significant influence on implementation foreign policy. The study concluded that women in Kenya are not fully involved in capacity building, decision making and politics, which hinders them from fully participating in the implementation of foreign policy. The study recommended that on the establishing standing or ad hoc committees and other statutory bodies on gender equality and empowerment of women, with cross-party representation, to monitor the review and the implementation of existing laws and constitutional provisions, budgets and policies from a gender perspective, as well as recommendations.