Women librarians in Kenya: a study of their status and occupational characteristics
| Pages | 70-78 |
| Date | 01 February 2003 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120310454539 |
| Published date | 01 February 2003 |
| Author | Mabel Majanja,Joseph Kiplang’at |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
Women librarians in
Kenya: a study of their
status and occupational
characteristics
Mabel Majanja and
Joseph Kiplang'at
Introduction
It has usually been observed that there is a
disparity in the attitude and approach towards
women and men at the work place which
translates into notable discrimination against
women. Traditionally, and especially in less
developed countries, women are occupied
with domestic responsibilities which typically
involve household chores and caring for the
home. In fulfilling these responsibilities
women often get involved in low paid tasks
such as petty trade, handicrafts, subsistence
farming and casual labour. Thus women are
often associated with low status jobs.
However, the traditional gender roles are
changing because there is pressure for women
to take up livelihood responsibilities due to
improved access to education by women,
greater awareness of human rights, male
unemployment and absentee husbands at war
or work (Narayan et al., 2000). Gender
disparity at the work place is associated with
women issues within society.
Women issues
Gender studies focus on discovering,
reporting and fighting gender-based
discrimination whereby most gender activists
ask for gender equity. Equity achievement is
strongly linked not only to education, but also
to economic power and male awareness
(Narayan et al., 2000). Dasgupta is of the
opinion that status is synonymous with
power, prestige and privilege (Dasgupta,
1998). In terms of economic power, women
are still disadvantaged because they often take
up low paying jobs. In many communities
men continue to be major decision-makers
(power), refuse to take up ``female'' roles
(prestige) and can take up work outside the
home (privilege), while women cannot freely
do the same. In Africa particularly, the
concept of equality seems to pose problems.
While there is a general understanding that
inequality exists, the equalising factors are
often misunderstood and merely focused on
long-standing ``who should be in the kitchen''
issue. Some scholars, such as Mweseli (2001)
argue that feminism has only served to
alienate the African woman from her
environment. But she concedes that there are
serious gender disparities in matters such as
property ownership, political empowerment,
The authors
Mabel Majanja and Joseph Kiplang'at are Lecturers in
the Department of Library and Information Studies, Faculty
of Information Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya.
E-mail: mkmajanja@yahoo.com; jkngetich@yahoo.co.uk
Keywords
Women, Librarians, Status, Kenya
Abstract
This study investigated the current status and
occupational characteristics of women librarians in Kenya.
The study's objectives were to: compare their status to
that of their male counterparts; establish their career
advancement opportunities; investigate factors inhibiting
their professional advancement; and suggest possible
solutions to some of the impediments encountered by
them in their professional advancement. The study was
conducted using a survey research method. The findings
indicated that the majority of women librarians in Kenya
had adequate qualifications, but held lower positions
compared to their male counterparts and were still
specialising in cataloguing, circulation and children's
work. Concludes that Kenyan women librarians' status
has consistently been lower than men's in terms of
position, salary and other remuneration. Recommends
that Kenyan women librarians need to be more assertive
in job seeking and negotiating for higher remuneration
and should be encouraged to venture into IT-related jobs.
Suggests proper supportive policies and legislation should
be put in place to address issues of equal opportunities in
education, training and employment.
Electronic access
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available at
http://www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregister
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is
available at
http://www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
70
Library Management
Volume 24 .Number 1/2 .2003 .pp. 70-78
#MCB UP Limited .ISSN 0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/01435120310454539
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