Women in Colonial Liberation Movements in Kenya: The Contribution of Women in Mathira in the Mau Mau Rebellion, 1952-1963

The study explored Agikuyu women’s participation in the Mau Mau colonial liberation struggle in Nyeri County, Mathira sub-County between 1952 and 1963. This study was informed by the gender analysis theory. Gender analysis considers the role of social systems in the arrangement of gender relations. The gender analysis theory argued that economic and social relations, politics, and ideology affect gender relations. This study was in the form of a historical research design. Both secondary and primary data sources were used in the study. Semi structured interviews were used to collect primary data. The interviews contained open ended questions to facilitate collection of detailed information. Key informants included assistant chiefs, chiefs and community leaders such as religious leaders and village elders. Focused group discussions were organized, bringing together women from the Mathira community who could provide insights into the changing roles of women. The changing roles of women, with women taking up men’s roles, have culminated in conflicts, especially at the family level, as wives attempt to wrestle the control of the family from their husbands, resulting in physical confrontations and, at times, ending up tragically.