Summary:
This article describes the discrimination
and violence that many Kenyan women face today. This violence and
discrimination has been a persistent issue. They face issues like dowry-related
violence and genital mutilation and rape. The article writes, “In 2006 the Kenyan government released
statistics showing that a woman is raped every 30 seconds here, and promptly
passed its first sexual offenses law; though critics say it is too rarely
enforced.” Kenya is a very patriarchal
society with over 95% of the land being owned by men. Despite all of the gender
inequality that Kenya faces, many young women are starting to take steps that would
have been impossible for their mothers and grandmothers. It is said that
economic empowerment will help women escape this domestic violence. These young
women are pushing to change their roles in society.
Analysis:
This article
deals greatly with inequality. Women are not seen as equal in this patriarchal
society. As a result, many women are left to face violent and discriminatory
acts due to their inferiority. They are forced to stay in these situations for
financial reasons. They cannot feed their families without the help of men.
Women that do have jobs often face unwelcome sexual advances in the workplace.
Refusing advances could leave them unemployed. However through changes, women’s
growing economic independence has made it easier for them to leave abusive
unsatisfying relationships. However, this could also result in the feminization
of poverty. Women and their dependent children could be at the top risk of
poverty. Kenya still has a long way to go toward gender equality, but young
women must keep taking steps to reverse this issue.
Kasey
Marshall
9-20-13
Gender
Inequality, Inequality
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