Leadership and governance parity: are there adequate mitigation measures for women in sports governance in Kenya?

Abstract

In Kenya, the under-representation of women in sports governance persists as a serious problem that reflects larger obstacles to gender equality in the sports industry. This study explores the institutional and sociocultural hurdles that prevent women from entering and progressing in sports governance to understand the motivations behind the ongoing gender disparity in leadership roles. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study examines the experiences and viewpoints of women in Kenyan and western sports governance using a thorough analysis of the body of current literature. The study investigates structural barriers, subconscious biases and conventional gender norms that marginalise women and prevent them from occupying positions of decision-making. Studies show ingrained prejudices that support the idea that sports governance is a field dominated by males and deter women from pursuing leadership positions. The low number of women in executive roles is also a result of institutional hurdles, such as uneven access to resources and few mentorship opportunities. The study assesses how this under-representation affects the growth of women's sports, the distribution of resources and the creation of laws that deal with challenges unique to one gender. To promote a more inclusive sports governance climate in Kenya, the research offers viable tactics and interventions, such as focused mentorship programs, awareness campaigns and regulatory changes. This study intends to add to the existing conversation on gender equality in the sports industry by illuminating the complex reasons behind women's under-representation in sports governance in Kenya. The results offer significant perspectives for legislators, athletic associations and advocacy groups aiming to execute efficacious strategies to tackle this structural disparity and foster a fairer and more varied sports governance terrain in Kenya.