Influence of Gender Equality on the Employment of TVET Graduates in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Gender equality has increasingly become an important issue in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) due to its influence on employment opportunities, economic empowerment, and social development. Despite increased efforts to promote equal participation in technical training and employment, gender disparities continue to affect the employability of TVET graduates in Kenya. This study investigated the influence of gender equality on the employment of TVET graduates in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study adopted a mixed-method research approach and descriptive survey research design guided by the Human Capital Theory. The target population comprised TVET graduates, industry experts, and TVET institutions in Uasin Gishu County. Stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used to obtain the study sample. Data collection instruments included questionnaires, interview schedules, and document analysis. One hundred eighty-five questionnaires were distributed to the TVET graduates. However, 168 (90.8%) were filled in and returned. Also, out of the 78 questionnaires distributed to the industry experts, 71 (91.0%) were filled and returned, while 69 (88.5%) were interviewed. The collected data Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings established that gender equality significantly influences the employment of TVET graduates. Regarding the proportion of male and female TVET graduates, the total percentage of male TVET graduates (65.9%) was more significant than the total percentage of female participants (34.1%); this indicates that enrolment of females in TVET institutions is low. The study found that gender stereotypes, discrimination, unequal access to opportunities, cultural perceptions, and occupational segregation negatively affected employment opportunities among female TVET graduates. The study concluded that promotion of gender equality enhances access to employment opportunities, participation in technical occupations, and economic empowerment among TVET graduates. The study recommended formulation and implementation of policies that promote equal employment opportunities, gender-sensitive training environments, and elimination of discrimination in technical occupations.

Gender Equality, TVET, Employment, Employability

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