Deciding Not to Decide

Investment Rating - The report does not provide a specific investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The concept of agency is central to empowerment, defined as the ability to define one's goals and make choices to achieve them [9] - Traditional measures of agency often underestimate the influence of individuals who do not directly participate in decision-making, particularly in rural households [5][11] - The study identifies two forms of effective power: effective power by proxy and effective power by influence or persuasion, highlighting the complexity of decision-making dynamics within households [5][27] Summary by Sections Introduction - Empowerment is linked to the ability to make strategic decisions and influence outcomes, with agency being a key component [9] - Agency is often measured through direct involvement in decision-making, but this may not accurately reflect an individual's power [10][11] Data and Methodology - The study utilized mixed methods data from rural households in Kilifi County, Kenya, collected between October 2022 and March 2023 [12][31] - The survey included both household and individual questionnaires, focusing on decision-making related to water collection and household expenditures [31][32] Decision-Making Dynamics - The report reveals that only 13% of men and 33% of women are directly involved in making decisions across various activities [41] - Women are less likely to participate in financial decisions, while men often do not engage in water-related decisions, which are typically seen as women's responsibilities [42][43] Effective Power - Effective power by proxy is more common among men, allowing them to have their preferences met without direct involvement in decision-making [55] - Women with effective power by proxy are less likely to achieve their desired outcomes compared to men, indicating a disparity in power dynamics [57] - Effective power through influence or persuasion allows individuals to shape decisions indirectly, often to avoid negative consequences [59][62] Conclusion - The findings suggest that measuring agency requires a nuanced understanding of decision-making processes and the various forms of power individuals may exert, even when not directly involved [18][26]