EFFECTS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN SMALL ENTERPRISES IN KAMUKUNJI SUB-COUNTY NAIROBI COUNTY KENYA

Maureen Wangechi Nderitu - Master in Development Studies Student, St. Paul’s University, Kenya

Dr. Antony Odek - Lecturer, St. Paul’s University, Kenya

ABSTRACT

One in every three women in the world experience sexual violence in their lifetime. Therefore, this study examined the effects of sexual violence on young women’s participation in small enterprises in Kamukunji Sub County, Nairobi County. The Objectives were to establish the effects of rape, substance facilitated violence, and sexual harassment on young women’s participation in small businesses. The study also assessed the measures put in place to address the effects of sexual violence on young women’s participation in small businesses. A Sample of 384 was selected from a target population of young women having businesses in the sub-county. The study utilized both quantitative and qualitative approaches of collecting and analyzing data. The study found out the effects of rape, substance facilitated violence and sexual harassment had a negative on young women’s participation in small enterprises. However, measures put in place to address the effects of sexual violence had a positive effect on young women’s participation in enterprises. The study suggested that to protect women in SMEs from sexual violence, it is critical for the governments to implement SGBV response services that include medical treatment (ideally within 72 hours of the incident), provision of physical security, psychosocial support, provision of safe spaces and legal support, enhancing statutory and policy frameworks is also crucial to support women's rights and gender equality that also advance decent working conditions for women.

Full Length Research (PDF Format)