Gender, Culture, The Arts, and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa has assured that the government continues to promote gender equality, women’s empowerment, and meaningful participation of women in all sectors of society.
Jumwa said that the government has taken several crucial steps in the development and implementation of gender laws and women’s peace and security frameworks.
The government, she said, is currently implementing the Kenya National Action Plan (KNAP) on women, peace, and security, which seeks to ensure women’s inclusion is valued and their contributions are appreciated in peace.
Speaking during the Ministerial Meeting for the adoption of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) regional action plan for Women, Peace, and Security, Jumwa said that the IGAD gender strategy sets a roadmap that will guide mainstreaming gender perspectives across all sectors, fostering an environment where women and other vulnerable groups can thrive.
“Women, peace, and security action plans reaffirm our dedication to promoting stability and security by recognising the pivotal role women play in conflict prevention, reconstruction, and peacebuilding,” Jumwa said.
Jumwa added that gender equality and the empowerment of women are not only fundamental human rights but also essential prerequisites for achieving sustainable peace and development.
However, she noted that it is also important to acknowledge the challenges that persist, including violence against women, equal access to resources and opportunities, and the underrepresentation of women in decision-making processes.
Jumwa expressed hopes of achieving mutual goals with the rest of the member states regarding the common challenges they face by the end of the conference.
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu pledged to continue supporting the people of the region and its member states to collectively deliver on the regional dream of peace, prosperity, and regional integration.
Gebeyehu commended all the member states for their bold and progressive steps in domesticating global, continental, and regional instruments at the national level.
He also noted that IGAD has powerful allies and loud instruments to amplify the voices of women for peace and security.
The launch of the IGAD Regional Gender Strategy and Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security held special significance as it coincided with the beginning of Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu’s second term as the Executive Secretary of IGAD.
By Fatma Said
