DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjahss.2025.v13i10.004

Pages: 388-401

This study critically examines gender dynamics within Kenya’s manufacturing sector, situating women’s inclusion and retention within the broader framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recognizing that gender equity is not only a human rights imperative but also a driver of socio-economic transformation, the research explores how government policy implementation, industry requirements, and career progression trajectories shape women’s participation in manufacturing industries. Guided by social feminism, resource-based theory, and regulatory compliance frameworks, the study adopts a descriptive research design that integrates purposive and stratified random sampling. Primary data were collected through questionnaires and in-depth interviews to capture both quantitative trends and qualitative insights. Findings reveal that structural determinants—particularly the robustness of policy frameworks, organizational cultures, and workplace expectations—either facilitate or constrain women’s sustained engagement in the sector. The study highlights that while progress has been made in creating opportunities, persistent barriers such as limited access to mentorship, inadequate training opportunities, and the absence of gender-sensitive insurance and workplace policies undermine women’s advancement. To address these challenges, the study recommends deliberate strategies aimed at cultivating gender-balanced workforces, institutionalizing mentorship programs, strengthening job training initiatives, and embedding gender-responsive policies across the manufacturing value chain. Ultimately, the research underscores that meaningful gender inclusion extends beyond symbolic representation: it requires the creation of equitable pathways that enable women to thrive, lead, and advance in male-dominated industrial spaces.