SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AMONG INTIMATE PARTNERS IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS: A CASE OF JIMMIA RESCUE CENTRE, NAKURU COUNTY KENYA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Intimate Partner Violence is on the rise in developing countries and is specifically alarming in Kenya. Global estimates indicate that 1 in 3 women worldwide have been victims of Intimate partner violence at least once in their lifetime. About 45% of women in Kenya have been victims of IPV and in Nakuru County the statistics are at 61% which is higher than the national average. Though this problem affects both genders, women are the most violated. Therefore, the general objective of the study was to establish the relationship between socio-cultural factors and violence against women among intimate partners in informal settlements: A case of Jimmia Rescue Centre, Nakuru County Kenya. Mixed methods research design was employed which consisted of descriptive survey and phenomenological designs for quantitative and qualitative enquiries respectively. The sample size was 100 respondents of 18 years and above sampled through proportionate and purposive techniques. Resource Theory founded by Goode in 1971 and Gendered Resource Theory founded by Atkinson and Greenstein in 2005 anchored this study. The study was conducted in Nakuru County, specifically in Jimmia Rescue center located in Nakuru East. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis and qualitative data was coded and keyed into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results were presented using tables, themes, quotes, and narrative descriptions. The study established that socio-cultural factors influence intimate partner violence. Women who did not abide by traditional gender role expectations were predisposed to violence. The study also established that majority of the respondents (73%) were from monogamous marriages and (53%) were unemployed. Income levels and employment status influenced violence against women. IPV was prevalent in families where couples affirmed patriarchal ideals and traditional beliefs such as the man as the provider and final decision maker, and women as home caretakers, and nurturers. The study recommends couples to work towards equal contribution in gender roles and aim for equality in decision making and contributing household income to reduce power imbalances that contribute to IPV. Therefore, this study may benefit policy makers in formulating gender sensitive policies to aid in the intervention and prevention of violence against women and promote gender equality and women economic development.