An Exploration of the Understanding of Gender Responsive Researching Among Selected Researchers in Kenya

Abstract

This exploratory qualitative study sought to establish what researchers in Kenya understood about disciplines requiring gender analysis in research, how the gender dimension should be applied in research and how empowerment of women was related to exclusion of men. The study utilized a gender balanced sample of 60 informants from three universities and three research institutions that were purposively selected. The informants were researchers in education and social science, medical and health sciences, environmental studies and engineering and technology, sampled using stratified random sampling technique. Data was collected by use of open ended questionnaires, in-depth interviews and content analysis of relevant research reports. Among other findings, this study shows how the concept of gender responsive researching is already being widely understood, though not necessarily being applied at all stages of research, by researchers in Kenya. Among other things, the paper recommends some of the already existing gender analytic frameworks that researchers may use to effectively incorporate the gender dimension in their work.

Keywords: Gender, Researching, Intersectionality, Diversity, Women Empowerment

DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/71-01

Publication date:July 31^st 2023