The Ministry of Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aisha Jumwa has emphasized on the government’s commitment towards gender equality.
In this regard, she called on women countrywide to focus on the need for a gender-responsive approaches to innovation, technology and digital education.
The theme of the International Women’s Day, igniting ‘DigitALL, Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’ Jumwa noted, is poised to increase the awareness of women and girls regarding their rights as well as enhance civic engagement,
The CS who was speaking in Nairobi during the International women day said that the nation has been presented with an opportunity to reflect on the journey of gender equality, and that is exactly what his ministry will promote.
Jumwa cited the President’s commitment to support women through programs such as the hustler fund and has shown the highest levels of political goodwill on the two-thirds Gender Rule through effective coordination with the legislature.
“The president has increased funding to the tune of Sh. 40 million in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) which will take effect in the beginning of the next financial year,” she added.
The CS also revealed that provision of sanitary towels to girls for free will also kick off in the next financial year.
Jumwa spoke in awe acknowledging how all these were achieved within 6 months by the able and sober tutelage of President William Ruto who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest to award trailblazers for their commitment and fight for women’s rights at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC).
She reiterated that the Ministry is committed to the ‘Bottom Up’ agenda as women are a nation’s crucial assets and empowering them is empowering the whole family, society and nation.
Echoing her sentiments, other women and men in leadership including Governors Anne Waiguru, Cecile Mbarire, Susan Kihika, and Johnson Sakaja all called for women to be supported and offered opportunities in all spheres of their productive life.
The Nairobi Governor called for the transformation of gender equity which he views as most important for more young women to make a difference.
He encouraged all levels of government to give opportunities to young girls for them to learn technical skills such as ICT and other programs through different agencies’ partnerships.
“In order to move thousands of girls, especially those from informal settlements, to a place where they can be equipped with digital skills for prosperity, both the national and county governments need to be ambitious to close the gap in ICT,” stated Sakaja.
Further the Governor recognized some 7,460 women working for the county government as Community Health Volunteers as trailblazers in addition to the 3000 youths and women who will be employed to clean up Nairobi that need support and funding from the National government.
On the other hand, Kirinyaga Governor and Council of Governors Chairperson Ann Waiguru noted the milestones made by women as she recognized the latter heading different organizations particularly the tech industry as CEOs, Director Generals and Chairpersons.
Through the advancement of gender equality, Waiguru affirmed that technology has provided immense opportunities in e-commerce and education where women can access virtual platforms and forge their career opportunities.
She said that the government has offered digital learning opportunities in the new CBC to encourage girls into science while acknowledging the challenges women face in the digital space including cyber bullying.
“Stakeholders should create awareness because women are 27 times more likely to be harassed with reports indicating 1 in every 5 women is a victim of cyberbullying,” stressed Waiguru.
Meanwhile, Director General (DG) at United Nations Office in Nairobi Zainab Bangura commended the government’s show of commitment to advance the gender equality agenda acknowledging the cultural and political achievements by women.
The DG urged the country to raise awareness on human rights by calling for positive gender inclusion and recognizing the advancement of digital tech especially in service provision.
She encouraged the government to explore the impact of the digital gender gap because now more than ever, women face exclusion according to the UN 2022 Kenya’s report.
“Measures have been undertaken to advance gender equality across the twelve critical areas of concern which include; women and poverty, education and training of women, women and health, violence against women, women and armed conflict, women and the economy, women in power and decision-making, institutional mechanisms for the advancement of women, human rights of women, women and the media, women and the environment, and the girl-child,” she reiterated.
Concurrently, US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman urged the government to close the gender divide as Kenya is a technical sector and well positioned tech hub to support tech startups.
She insisted that women should be at the forefront of tech and must be equally represented, trained and empowered since the digital skills required encompass every organization.
“Bring creativity and inclusion to more women. Kenyan Silicon Valley has a bright future if more women are included,” Whitman maintained.
By Michael Omondi
