Voronca D, Walker RJ, Egede LE. Relationship between empowerment and wealth: trends and predictors in Kenya between 2003 and 2008-2009.
Int J Public Health 2017;
63:641-649. [PMID:
29159537 DOI:
10.1007/s00038-017-1059-1]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to examine the association between women's empowerment and wealth over time in Kenya.
METHODS
Kenya Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) for 2003 and 2008-2009 were used. Eligible women and men were either married or living with a partner. Two scales were used for empowerment: female participation in decision-making, and attitudes toward domestic violence against female partners. Hierarchical linear models were used based on theoretical blocks of covariates.
RESULTS
In a sample of 9847 women and 3207 men, results showed empowerment increased over time. After adjustment, female partners' reporting greater empowerment on either scale remained significantly associated with increased wealth, (urban: β = 0.04, p value < 0.05; β = - 0.06, p value < 0.01) and (rural: β = 0.04, p value < 0.01, β = - 0.07, p value < 0.01). Based on male partners' responses, female partners' participation in decision-making was associated with increased wealth in rural regions (β = 0.04, p value < 0.01), and agreement with domestic violence towards a female partner was significantly associated with a decrease in wealth in urban regions (β = - 0.08, p value < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
Women's empowerment has increased over time in Kenya and is associated with increased family wealth. The association varies by gender of respondent and rural/urban residence.
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