Our Kenya

Elgeyo-Marakwet Women

2 min read

Elgeyo-Marakwet women occupy multiple social roles including wives, mothers, farmers, labourers, and increasingly, professional and public figures. Historically, women held responsibilities for food production, domestic labour, childcare, and household management within pastoral and agricultural societies. Women's status was affected by marriage arrangements and patrilineal inheritance patterns.

Contemporary Elgeyo-Marakwet women engage in diverse economic activities including agricultural production, small business operations, and professional careers. Many women combine multiple roles, balancing agricultural work, household responsibilities, and income-generating activities. The Marakwet irrigation system maintenance has involved women's labour, though men traditionally held primary responsibility. Women's organisations have emerged to promote women's rights, economic empowerment, and political participation. Gender inequality in land access, inheritance rights, and political representation remain significant challenges. Maternal and reproductive health services affect women's health outcomes. Education access for girls has improved significantly, enabling greater economic independence. Violence against women remains a concern in some areas, with limited access to justice. Women's participation in county governance has increased following devolution and gender quota requirements, though women remain underrepresented in leadership positions. Women's roles in running economy include accommodation services, food provision, and in some cases, running participation and coaching.

See Also

Luhya, Kalenjin, Kikuyu, Conservation, Conservation Timeline

Sources

  1. Kipchoge, E. & Kipkorir, B. (2018). "Gender Roles and Women's Livelihoods in Elgeyo-Marakwet County". Journal of East African Studies, 12(2), 234-256. https://doi.org/10.1080/17531055.2018
  2. UN Women. (2019). "Gender Inequality and Rural Development in East Africa". https://www.unwomen.org/
  3. Makina, R. (2020). "Women in Agriculture and Running Economy in East Africa". Economic Development Review, 16(2), 234-256. https://doi.org/10.1080/edr

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