Women librarians in Kenya: a study of their status and occupational characteristics

Abstract

This study investigated the current status and occupational characteristics of women librarians in Kenya. The study’s objectives were to: compare their status to that of their male counterparts; establish their career advancement opportunities; investigate factors inhibiting their professional advancement; and suggest possible solutions to some of the impediments encountered by them in their professional advancement. The study was conducted using a survey research method. The findings indicated that the majority of women librarians in Kenya had adequate qualifications, but held lower positions compared to their male counterparts and were still specialising in cataloguing, circulation and children’s work. Concludes that Kenyan women librarians’ status has consistently been lower than men’s in terms of position, salary and other remuneration. Recommends that Kenyan women librarians need to be more assertive in job seeking and negotiating for higher remuneration and should be encouraged to venture into IT‐related jobs. Suggests proper supportive policies and legislation should be put in place to address issues of equal opportunities in education, training and employment.