Abstract
This chapter records narrations by 25 female scholars from public and private institutions of higher education in Kenya regarding access to research grants. The number of Female scholars has increased in Africa; however, gender parity is yet to be realized with regard to access to research grants. The central question addressed the experiences of female scholars regarding their representation in research funding in Kenya. In-depth interviews were conducted and analyzed thematically. It was established that despite the efforts made toward achieving gender parity, female researchers are still experiencing challenges that hinder their access to research grants. These included culture-related responsibilities in their households at the expense of career development; inability to access research grant information; stringent grant application procedures; and lack of mentors and networks. Despite the female researchers experiencing these challenges, they have immensely contributed to their personal and institutional and community transformation. The chapter recommends that universities need gender-sensitive policy frameworks for coaching and mentoring female scholars in an effort to realize gender parity with regard to representation and access to research funding; establishing departments tasked with the responsibility of networking; and providing timely information to faculty on research opportunities and research grants.
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This chapter is dedicated to all female researchers who are transforming the society.
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Ndiga, B., Mumiukha, C. (2022). Female Scholars’ Access to Research Grants in Higher Education as a Promotional Facet to Social Transformation in Kenya. In: Wakiaga, L.A. (eds) Women’s Contribution to Higher Education and Social Transformation. Diversity and Inclusion Research. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-95622-6_2
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