Vihiga County Commissioner Felix Watakila has singled out women as important actors in discussions on the promotion of peace and security in society.
Mr. Watakila stated that the women usually bear the brunt in cases of disruption of peace and deterioration of security in the communities, and therefore they should be part and parcel of initiatives aimed at advocating for the prevention of all forms of violence against humanity.
The administrator, who spoke during the training workshop of women peace champions from Bungoma and Vihiga counties, decried the rampant sexual offences in the county and warned the perpetrators of dire consequences.
He cited rape, incest, and defilement as widespread in the area, describing them as serious offences and calling on the residents to uphold the societal moral code of conduct for harmonious co-existence.
The County Director of Gender, Dorothy Murakwa, urged the participants to raise their voices against any decision or action that is gender-biased.
She said the county is soon going to launch the County Action Plan which will spell out the activities for enhancing women’s contribution to peace and security efforts.
Murakwa said the initiative, which is sponsored by UN Women, intends to come up with ‘County Women for Peace chapters’ in all 47 devolved units.
The Western Regional Manager of the National Council of Churches of Kenya, Mercy Ogwel, said the participants would be trained on Alternative Justice Systems, the importance of women’s voices in peace deliberations, and preparing them for leadership positions in the spheres of peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
By Sammy Mwibanda
