THE INFLUENCE OF WOMEN IN IMPLEMENTATION FOREIGN POLICY: A CASE OF KENYA BETWEEN 2010 AND 2017
Abdibashir Alinoor Ibrahim - Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Dr. Linet Hamasi - Department of Diplomacy and International Relations, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Studies have been undertaken in different contexts on the role played by women in foreign implementation. The study is study is justified because in in 2010, Kenya promulgated a new constitution which sought to remedy the gender inequality in public service. The influence of women in implementation foreign policy; a case of Kenya between 2010 and 2017. The study was guided by four specific objectives. To establish how women participate in decision making in the implementation of Kenya’s foreign policy between 2010 and 2017, To establish the role of women leadership in the implementation of Kenya’s foreign policy between 2010 and 2017, To assess the role of women capacity building in the implementation of Kenya’s foreign policy between 2010 and 2017, To assess women’s political participation influences the implementation of Kenya’s foreign policy between 2010 and 2017. This study analyses 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 study used a liberal feminist theory which is the primary theory used 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. The study take used descriptive design and targeted experts in foreign policy especially women and officials from the ministry of foreign affairs. Therefore the respondents were selected purposively. Primary data was collected through interviews whereas secondary data was collected by analysing previous research, government reports and policies. The data collected in the study was analysed systematically through coding, thematic analysis and criticism and presented in form of detailed arguments. The study found that decision making, leadership, capacity building, political participation have significant influence on implementation foreign policy. decision making β= -.348, t= -4.289, p=<.000: leadership β=-.436, t=-5.187, p=<.000*: capacity building β=.711 t=6.593 p=<.000*: political participation β=.406, t=5.445. The study concludes that Kenya’s foreign policy has been influenced by the first regime and incrementally it has been forced to adapt to new global phenomena that has occurred. The study recommends 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.
