Abstract:
Men and women in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face risks of human rights violations, sexual harassment, and workplace violence. These issues arise from power imbalances, limited protections against unfair dismissal, and a lack of job alternatives. Such violence negatively impacts productivity and management. This study assessed the implications of gender-based violence (GBV) in SMEs at Makina Market, Kibera Sub-County, Nairobi City County. The specific objectives were to evaluate SME entrepreneurs' awareness of GBV, examine how experiences of GBV affect work dynamics, motivation, productivity, and reporting within SMEs, and assess the effectiveness of existing GBV interventions at Makina Market. The study utilized systems management theory, person-environment fit, and social learning theories. A descriptive research design was employed, targeting 500 male and female traders aged 18 and above, with a sample size of 222 selected through simple random sampling. Quantitative data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS 25. Qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions and in-depth key informant interviews, analyzed using narrative, thematic, and interpretive approaches. The findings indicate that GBV incidents are prevalent in SME workplaces, with verbal abuse, threats, and offensive remarks being the most common forms. Men are the primary perpetrators, while stigma and fear of further violence deter victims from reporting. This leads to reduced motivation, self-esteem, depression, anger, anxiety, and an unfavourable work environment, perpetuating a cycle of poverty in communities. The study reveals that most SMEs lack effective mechanisms and policies to address workplace violence, and awareness of GBV mitigation initiatives is limited. Barriers to accessing GBV services include stigma, insecurity, fear of victimization, and a lack of reporting channels. The study concludes that workplace GBV is a systemic issue disrupting individuals and enterprises. Recommendations include integrated safety plans and regulations to mitigate GBV, strengthening SMEs' capacity in business management, multi-stakeholder GBV prevention and advocacy, and further research on the financial implications of GBV for SMEs.
