The retrogressive culture and inadequate allocation of resources have been cited as major hindrances in addressing care economy crises in Laikipia County.
Gender stakeholders speaking in Nanyuki during sensitization forum on the care economy highlighted that domestic work, which is predominately done by women, was the least supported sector.
“We have encountered a lot of challenges during sensitization, especially on culture and stereotypes; the communities are not willing to let go. We are committed to enlightening them,” said Karen Kiogora, Laikipia County Gender Coordinator, adding that retrogressive culture severely affected the care economy.
Hand in Hand East Africa’s Business Relationship Officer, Ms. Salome Mbochi, who was one of the organizers of the sensitization forum, pointed out that care work was the bedrock of society and entails activities that support the needs of the community.
“Our goal is to fight poverty through job creation and enterprises, and we aim to sensitize the community to recognize the care work and the burden placed on women and girls and how to reduce the burden andredistribute, reward, and represent them,” she said.
Joshua Kaburu, one of the participants, on his part, called on men to support domestic workers and at the same time encouraged the shunning of the retrogressive perception that specific roles were designed for some genders.
According to the Kenya National Policy that is awaiting Cabinet approvals, it paints a grim picture that women spend four to five hours per day on unpaid care work compared to about an hour for men.
Similarly, women work seven to eight hours, whereas men work six to seven hours, resulting in a gender gap. Globally, 76 percent of women perform unpaid care work.
Once approved, the Kenya National Policy seeks to address inequalities associated with unpaid care and domestic work in the country.
By Muturi Mwangi
