Patriarchy and the subordination of women among the Abagusii of Western Kenya

Abstract

The paper discusses the role of private patriarchy in the subordination of women among the Abagusii of western Kenya. It identifies customs and practices governing marriage such as the payment of dowry, circumcision, the gender division of labour within the household and polygamy as the main factors contributing to the continued subordination of women in this community. The main argument advanced in the paper is that some of these practices and customs need to be changed in order for the status of women to be improved. This change can be achieved through gender sensitisation and
education of men and women about the negative effects of these practices on women and social development. The Kenyan government also has a role to play in terms of spearheading the review of some of the laws that have negative effects on women in the Kenyan society.

Mtafiti Mwafrika Vol. 16 2005: pp. 1-31