GENDER-RESPONSIVE BUDGETING AS A WAY OF COMBATING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN HOMABAY COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
Gender-based violence continues to affect many people around the world. While there has been broad research to understand gender-based violence, there is limited evidence to show the effect of gender mainstreaming strategies in combating gender-based violence in Homa Bay County. The study objective was to evaluate the effect of gender-responsive budgeting in combating gender-based violence in Homa Bay County, Kenya. The study is anchored on Social Learning theory and Structural Violence theory. The study adopted descriptive research design and ex-facto research design. Stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used. The research targets 300 respondents including; County Executive Committee (CEC) Member Gender, Youth, Sports Talent Development, Culture Heritage and Social Services, Chief Officer Department of Gender, Youth, Sports Talent Development, Culture Heritage and Social Services, Director Gender and Inclusivity employees in the department, law enforcement, healthcare providers, community-based organizations (CBO) representatives, and GBV survivors. The study had a sample size of 171 respondents. Questionnaires, interview guides and Focus Group Discussions aided in collecting both quantitative and qualitative data. Pilot study was conducted in Kisumu County among 17 respondents. Content, face and construct validity were used. Test-retest reliability was adopted. The collected data is analyzed with the SPSS version 26 and Nvivo Software were used to analyze the data. Tables, charts and graphs were used to present the data. The study ensured informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity when collecting and processing the data. The study findings show that gender-responsive budgeting had a positive significant relationship toward combating gender-based violence. The study concluded that gender-responsive budgeting is crucial in combating gender-based violence. It emphasizes the need for inclusion of gender priorities in the budgeting process through GRB, through aspects of inclusivity, coordination, and community sensitization to mitigate the ever-challenging GBV issue. The study recommended that there is need for institutionalization of gender mainstreaming strategies, enhanced sensitization and public education at community level and informed coordination and community involvement in enforcing strengthened policies. It further recommended that there should be ample funding, inclusive planning and transparency through GRB. Also, continuous training and capacity building for county officials and stakeholders should be carried out to enhance accountability, policy implementation, and the effectiveness of GBV prevention efforts.
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