Equitas, an international right-defending non-governmental organization that advances equality, social justice and respect for human dignity through transformative human rights education programs, will collaborate with the County Government of Bomet, to ensure women are participating at every level of decision-making in the County.
The Canadian organization has pledged programs aimed at contributing to the empowerment of individuals and groups that are subject to discrimination, exclusion and other forms of human rights violations, to challenge inequality and discrimination and take action to respect, protect and defend human rights in the County.
Women in the County have been fighting vices such as Female Genital Mutilation, (FGM) in earlier marriages among young girls that have negatively affected their growth in the County
“Barriers to meaningful participation are removed and collaboration and equitable partnerships are encouraged so that individuals and groups, particularly women, children and youth, have opportunities to reach their full potential in decision-making in the country,” Explained Karrisa Katty, Equitas Director from Canada.
Karrisa further urged women to actively participate in local leadership capacity, to influence decision-makers and hold governments accountable for their actions or inaction in respect of human rights.
Speaking at the same event, Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok, noted that women are not only the towering pillars upon which families stand, but also a strong fabric that holds society and the nation together.
Barchok noted that as the Country inches towards 2030, society is gradually bridging the gender balance gap, as more women keep breaking the glass ceiling in various aspects including education and leadership.
“I take note of the efforts being put in to achieve the constitutional threshold of the 2/3 gender rule, at the national level. Closer home, we are promoting gender mainstreaming at the county level through the appointment of more women to executive positions, access to government opportunities and inclusion in public participation in various development agendas,” noted the Governor.
By Lamech Willy
