Gender equality has been a pivotal focus in development agendas globally since the 1980s. Despite significant progress having been made thus far, patriarchal backlash remains a critical challenge in many regions across the globe, including Kenya.
This study conducted in Kenya by Advocates for Social Change-Kenya (ADSOCK), explores the multifaceted dimensions of patriarchal backlash and resistance to gender equality initiatives, identifying key areas of concern and suggesting strategic interventions through which resistance to gender equality can be mitigated.
The research has four main objectives:
- to understand the nature and extent of patriarchal backlash against gender equality in Kenya;
- to identify the socio-cultural, economic, and political factors contributing to patriarchal resistance and backlash;
- to assess the impact of patriarchal resistance on gender equality initiatives within communities and within institutions;
- to recommend actionable solutions through which patriarchal backlash can be challenged and gender equality can be promoted.