Women in Kajiado County have been challenged to vie for elective positions instead of waiting to be nominated by political parties.
Kajiado Governor’s spouse Edna Lenku noted that there were no elected women in Kajiado County currently serving in any political positions despite having the required qualifications.
She called on women to vie for elective positions to have their voices heard and contribute to the development of the country.
“I want to urge women to come out and vie for political positions during elections. We currently have no elected woman MCA, MP, Senator, or Governor from Kajiado County and yet many women are qualified for these positions,” she said.
Mrs. Lenku called on the women not to shy away from battling it out with their male counterparts in seeking leadership positions but to rise above retrogressive cultural beliefs that have marginalized them over the years.
She further challenged women to be ready to support their own, stating that they should always be in the forefront to support their fellow females to ascend to leadership positions.
Kajiado County Director of Social Services Irene Katete reiterated Mrs. Lenku’s remarks adding that women over the years have proven to be capable in leadership when given a chance.
Katete noted that women faced a lot of challenges when vying for elective positions such as threats, insults, and financial constraints but this should not discourage them.
“I am calling on women to be bold and take up their positions in leadership by vying for elective seats rather than waiting to be nominated into various positions. Women are capable of leadership just like their male counterparts,” she said.
She further called on residents to do away with traditional beliefs that have continued to oppress women and discouraged them from going for leadership positions adding that women have an equal role with men in politics and in building the economy.
By Rop Janet
