The government in collaboration with Community initiative for Social Equity (CISE), Murang’a County has championed for concerted efforts towards women inclusion among the state, non-state actors and civil society groups.
This comes even as the world prepares to celebrate the annual International Women’s Day marked every 8th March, dating back to over a century ago, firmly rooted in the global struggle for women’s rights and gender parity.
The Murang’a County Gender Officer, Peter Muhia notes that this year’s event will among other things, raise awareness on the paramountcy for women inclusion for societal growth and development.
“This year’s International Women’s Day will seek to inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion and advance the cause for gender parity and women’s and girls’ empowerment, where women are not only included but also celebrated for their contributions and achievements,” he said.
The event will seek to highlight these barriers and advocate for tangible actions towards achieving gender parity and women empowerment, so as to ignite hope and possibility in women and girls worldwide, while serving as catalysts for change.
On her part, Joan Njeri, the CEO Community Initiative for Social Equity (CISE) underscores the need to celebrate women and girls’ achievements, even as we advocate for policy changes.
The global population, she said, comprising half of the women, is still grappling with systematic barriers that hinder their full participation and inclusion in various aspects of life.
The CEO emphasized the need for policy changes and institutional reforms at the local, national, and global levels to promote gender equality and women’s inclusion.
The event aims to raise awareness about women’s inclusion, diversity, and gender equity, addressing violence against women and girls, particularly related to gender-related killings.
In Murang’a, the International Women’s day celebrations will take place at Ihura stadium and will seek to bring together women and youth representations from the county’s 35 sub counties, thus more than 1000 people are expected to grace the event.
The theme for International Women Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion with a special focus on investing in women to accelerate progress.
By Florence Kinyua
