An Assessment of Pyschosocial Wellbeing and Women Economic Empowerment: A Case of Export Processing Zone in Machakos County, Kenya.

Abstract

Psychosocial wellbeing in this study was investigated based on prevalence of depression, occupational stress and an assessment of family stability. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychosocial wellbeing and Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) among women working at the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) company in Machakos County, Kenya. The objectives were to assess the level of WEE, establish the prevalence of occupational stress and depression, examine family stability levels, and investigate the relationship between WEE and family stability. Systems theory guided the study by providing a framework for understanding complex phenomena and relationships, while rational choice theory explained women’s decision-making process regarding economic empowerment and family responsibilities. The sample comprised 427 females working in EPZ companies. Purposive, stratified and simple random sampling was used in sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 28, employing descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that WEE based on social demographic factors was highest among the 31-40-year-old (15.9%), the married (13.4%), and those who had attained tertiary level education (12.4%). The prevalence of occupational stress was highest among the 31-40-year-old (34.9%), the married women (30.1%), and those with a university education level (39.6%). Regarding the severity of depression, moderate depression was highest at 32.3%. Within the socio demographic categories, highest levels of family stability were noted among the older women aged 50 years and above (30%), the married (50%), those with tertiary education level (25%) and those who had worked between 1-5 years at 35%. The study found a positive relationship between WEE and family stability in all the socio demographic factors (r>0, p<05), indicating that higher levels of economic empowerment among women are associated with greater family stability. Occupational stress had a negative relationship with family stability (r<0, p< 05), suggesting that higher stress levels are related to lower family stability. The study concludes that while WEE contributes to improved family stability, occupational stress and poor work-life balance can detrimentally affect family well-being. Based on the findings the study recommends workplace mental health programs, and empowering women economically to promote family stability. Future research should focus on developing and evaluating interventions to address psychosocial challenges faced by economically empowered women, particularly in EPZs and similar industrial settings.