Reframing Gender Roles: The Cultural Dynamics Shaping Women's Engagement in Community Development Projects in Kenya

Understanding the dynamics of gender roles is crucial in Women's participation in community development projects for inclusive and sustainable development. This study examines the extent and dynamics of the involvement of women in community development projects in Kenya, with a particular focus on the socio-cultural and structural barriers that impede their leadership roles. Employing a descriptive research design and a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from a representative sample of 180 respondents, including project members and officials, from three registered community development projects in the Mukaa-Kitaingo ward in Makueni County. A multi-stage sampling technique was used, incorporating purposive, stratified, and systematic random sampling methods, which ensured diverse representation across key demographic variables. Quantitative findings reveal that while 70% of respondents recognize women as active participants in community initiatives, 73% disagree that women are afforded equal leadership opportunities, indicating a paradox between visible participation and substantive influence. Qualitative insights further highlight that entrenched patriarchal norms, restrictive family structures, and cultural practices are acknowledged as barriers by 54% of respondents and continue to limit women’s advancement into decision-making positions. Based on these findings, the study recommends targeted policy interventions, capacity-building programs, and community sensitization initiatives to address these systemic obstacles and promote inclusive governance. The contributions of this research lie in its detailed empirical analysis of gender dynamics within community development, offering actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners striving to achieve sustainable development goals (SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequality). Areas for further research include longitudinal assessments of gender dynamics, intersectional analyses of socio-economic factors, and comparative studies across diverse cultural contexts to better understand the evolving landscape of women’s leadership in community development. Keywords: Gender Roles, Cultural Dynamics, Community Development, Women’s Participation, Policy Interventions, Sustainable Development.