Title: DETERMINANTS OF WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN KENYA: A CASE OF THE JUDICIAL PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, NAIROBI COUNTY
Abstract: The aim of this research was to investigate women’s participation in construction projects in Kenya, specifically in the Judicial Performance Improvement Project. Women in construction are seen as the wrong gender to be around, for the construction professions involve not only labour-intensive dexterity but physical strength. Currently, the trade is employing less than 10% of the women in the labour force. This project discussed the current women participation in construction focusing Kenya, and in particular the JPIP project. Additionally, issues and barriers inhibiting women entering and retaining in the industry was also discussed. This study adopted a descriptive research design because it involved fact finding enquiries and surveys with the sole purpose of describing how things are presently, without the researcher having control over the variables. A regression model was applied to analyse the extent of the significance of the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The population was those involved with the Judicial Performance Improvement Project, specifically the construction component, with a total of 89 people. Samples were drawn using a census as the sample size was very few, giving a sample of 89 people. Questionnaires and interviews were employed to collect data. The data obtained was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively using descriptive statistics, and a multiple linear regression model was used to model the data, and to analyse the extent of the significance of the relationship between the dependant and independent variables. A strong conclusion from the paper was that it is not the technical expertise that needs demonstrating but rather encompassing their individuality as women to meet the demands of the workplace and having the aptitude to fit into the recognised conduct of the workplace. There was also disquiet among the female workers of having to set of scales between successful career and family lives. Lastly, the paper highlighted recommendations to form a better path for women’s participation and retention in this male-dominated area. Among them are bringing more female role models to aspire career in construction, stronger equal chances at the workplace and stronger roles of the social partners. Key terms: Social cultural Perspectives, Organization Barriers, Training and Development, Gender Stereotypes, Women Participation