SOCIAL GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND HOUSEHOLD LIVELIHOODS IN MATHARE SLUMS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Gender violence remains a major issue of concern in Kenya with enormous social, psychological, and economic implications. This article explores the influence of social gender-based violence on household livelihoods in Mathare slums in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study used purposive sampling to select key informants in the Mathare slums, while stratified random sampling selected specific households in each administrative village. Cluster sampling was used to select households within each administrative village. The proposed study sample size was 124 respondents. The study used a descriptive survey research design and employed a questionnaire, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informants (KIs) to gather data. The research employed qualitative and quantitative data analysis methodologies. The study analyzed qualitative data from focus group discussions thematically to identify common patterns, insights, and divergences in participants’ experiences. The study established that social violence occurred frequently within the community and was perceived by most respondents as being highly prevalent, indicating that it remains a major concern in Mathare slums. The study further revealed that respondents experienced various forms of social gender-based violence, with harassment being the most common, followed by intimidation and bullying. Social gender-based violence contributed to stigma, discrimination, social exclusion, victim blaming, and reduced participation in community and economic activities. The study demonstrated that social gender-based violence negatively affects household livelihoods through stigma, discrimination, intimidation, harassment, and exclusion from social support systems and community opportunities. The study also concludes that although social violence did not directly affect household income for the majority of respondents, it contributed to fear, emotional distress, reduced concentration, and limited participation in economic and social activities among survivors. Harmful cultural beliefs, victim-blaming, weak social support systems, poverty, and community silence continue to perpetuate social GBV and increase household vulnerability in Mathare slums. To improve social inclusion and emotional support, the study also suggested creating safe community spaces, support groups, and awareness forums. Additionally, as unemployment, drug misuse, and poverty are major contributors to GBV in the community, policies targeting these issues should be strengthened.