The Cultural Practices and Women in Decision Making Process in Somali Land

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to identify the role of cultural practices which is based on Somali pastoral norms and Islamic religion on the political participation of women in Somaliland. The methodology used was descriptive correlation design. Data collected included; demographic characteristics of the respondents, the effect of religion (Islam) on the political participation of women and the role of Somali pastoral norms on the political participation of women in Somaliland. However, a total of 100 questionnaires were distributed. Four main targets were purposively selected according to their willingness and empowering women to decision making areas; which samples are distributed through simple random sampling technique. The study used questionnaires to collect data. Data was analyzed through the Statistical Package for Social Science SPSS software. The findings indicated that, there is significant inverse relationship between Somali Traditional Culture and Women in Decision Making Process, suggesting that a decline in the Somali tradition based on pastoral to the women in decision making would lead to the increment in ability of women to participate in decision making arena. The implication for the government is that they should continue including women in the top positions of decision making. Thereafter, the country’s existing human potential power especially women has not been fully exploited to maximize the sustainability for development. In order to realize the full potential of the women there is need to bring the women that were abandoned by the culture back into decision making areas through various forms of support and capacity building to women. Women participation in decision making is very low when compared with countries in the region with similar system of governance. The low participation is attributed to the traditional stereotype practices.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 4

Purpose of the Study 5

Research Objectives 5

Research Questions 6

Hypothesis 7

Scope 7

Significance of the Study 7

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 8

Two REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Introduction 10

Concepts, Ideas, Opinions From Authors/Experts 10

Theoretical Perspectives 17

Related Studies 20

Three METHODOLOGY

Research Design 26

Research Population 26

Sample Size 26

Sampling Procedure 27

Research Instrument 27

Validity and Reliability of the Instrument 28

Data Gathering Procedures 29

Data Analysis 30

Ethical Considerations 30

Limitations of the Study 31

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

OF DATA 32

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS 48

Findings 48

Conclusions 55

Recommendations 59

References 62

Appendices

Appendix I - Transmittal Letter 66

Appendix II - Clearance from Ethics Committee 67

Appendix III - Informed Consent 68

Appendix IV - Research Instrument 69

Researcherts Curriculum Vitae 75