Formal and informal barriers affecting women's political participation in electoral outcomes in Githunguri constituency – Kenya

Parity democracy remains a challenge globally even among top democracies. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of formal and informal barriers on women’s political participation in electoral outcomes in Githunguri constituency. The study was guided by liberal feminist theory. The study dependent on Mixed methods approach. Questionnaires and interview guides were used as tools for data collection and the unit of analysis was registered voters. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample 330 respondents, 180 males and 150 females in churches, tea buying centers and markets. 15 key informants (KI to K15) were purposively sampled for the interviews, 7 males and 8 females. Inclusion criteria was influential and knowledgeable on constituency affairs of residents who are registered voters. While qualitative data analysis applied thematic analysis with the help of Nvivo program, Quantitative data was done using inferential and descriptive statistics. From the research findings, a coefficient of -0.255 indicates that as the level of institutional barriers increases, women’s political participation and electoral outcomes decreases. Formal barriers include legislative and policy-related issues such as discriminatory electoral laws, inadequate support for female candidates, and insufficient implementation of gender quotas. Informal barriers encompass cultural norms, societal expectations, and gender biases that subtly yet profoundly hinder not just participation but also a win by women who offer their candidature. The study concludes that, formal and informal barriers prevent women from competing on equal footing with their male counterparts leading to underrepresentation in electoral outcomes. The study recommends among others that the National Assembly remodel political strategies and policies to address formal and informal barriers to women’s political participation. Key words: Democracy, Women’s political participation, formal and informal barriers, electoral outcomes