Mitigating structural violence against women leaders within political parties in Nairobi

Abstract

Political institutions in Kenya have long been criticised for insufficient efforts to promote gender equity and enhance women's participation. Notably, patriarchy continues to dominate decision-making processes, directly impacting women's potential. This thesis focused on structural violence against women leaders within Nairobi's main political parties, examining the concept of structural violence in the political institutions. While direct violence, such as electoral intimidation and physical attacks, has drawn attention, this study focuses on structural violence: the systemic and institutional barriers that impair women’s political participation. These include exclusion from political networks; male-dominated party hierarchies; financial barriers; and the lack of internal policies addressing gender-based inequities. Unlike direct violence, structural violence is often invisible but deeply embedded in party practices and norms. The study explored through action research how harm, caused by these institutions or social structures, can be mitigated. The study aimed to understand and address structural violence against women leaders in political parties by engaging both women and men, with the aim of exploring the basis, nature, and extent of this violence. This thesis employed a mixed-method, explanatory sequential action research design, incorporating quantitative, qualitative, and applied intervention approaches. Findings examined the characteristics, prevalence, origins, and impacts of structural violence against women leaders in Nairobi County's major political parties. An evaluation of the effectiveness of past and current efforts to address this issue within Kenya's major political parties followed. The study engaged 88 participants quantitatively and 15 qualitatively. This study identified extensive structural violence against women in Kenyan political leadership, including exclusion from political networks, male dominance in parties and institutions, and electoral violence against female candidates. It also highlighted financial constraints on female candidates, contributing to disparities in political power and representation. The final objective involved implementing and assessing short-term outcomes of interventions using participatory action research (PAR) in collaboration with stakeholders. The study identified that there are no policies or interventions within political parties or broader structures to address the ongoing psychological and physical violence and structural obstacles faced by women. The findings reveal persistent systemic barriers to gender equity in Kenya’s political institutions.