Abstract:
Although many development programs addressing gender issues exist, few
development agencies and organizations pay attention to program evaluation and long-term
outcomes. The purpose of this thesis is to examine whether a community-based
organization improves women's quality of life through a combination of sewing, health
education, and general education classes in the rural community of Takaungu, Kenya.
Specifically, I question whether the East African Center for the Empowerment of Women
and Children's (EAC) programs are successful from the participants' point of view. In
interviews with 29 program participants, I asked them how they perceive the programs of
the EAC and whether they are using their acquired skills in their daily lives. Employing the
EAC as a case study through participant observation and survey through interviews from
my 12-week stay with the EAC, I wish to make these women's voices heard.