The Kenya Government is currently implementing a nine -point women focused agenda in order to empower more women and bring about inclusivity and gender balance in the governance structures.
State Department for Parliamentary Affairs Principal Aurelia Chepkirui Rono (CPA) said this agenda covers critical areas which include, economic empowerment, gender equality in leadership, combating gender-based violence and safeguarding women’s land rights.
She stated that under these auspices, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) responsible for Gender and Affirmative Action established the Multi-Sectoral Working Group on the realisation of the not more than two thirds gender principle and added that on its part, the State Department for Parliamentary Affairs is committed to ensure that all policy and legislative initiatives geared towards realizing the 9-point agenda are efficiently coordinated and in place on time.
Ms Rono was speaking in Naivasha during the official opening of a three – day Women in Governance conference convened by the Institute of Certified Secretaries (ISC) which brings together eminent professionals and experts drawn from both the public and private sectors
The theme of the conference is; “Breaking Barriers, Enhancing Governance through Partnership and Mentorship.”
The PS said noted that Kenya had made significant positive changes in a number of areas such as the elective positions where the number of elected women in the National Assembly are 29 up from 23 in 2017, elected women Governors are seven up from three, and elected women Members of County Assembly (MCAs) are 115 up from 97.
“We now have seven women Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) up from five in the last Administration. We also have 12 Women Principal Secretaries (PSs) up from nine in the last Administration and we also have the first female Chief Justice (CJ) in the history of Kenya,” Rono said.
She observed that the clamour for meaningful gender representation first found recognition in Kenya’s supreme proclamation which is the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. Koome remarked that Article 27 of the said Constitution provides that the State shall take legislative and other measures, including affirmative action programmes and policies designed to redress any disadvantage suffered by individuals or groups because of past discrimination.
“In addition, the Article provides that the State shall take legislative and other measures to implement the principle that not more than two-thirds of the members of elective or appointive bodies shall be of the same gender and today, the country’s march towards the full implementation of this constitutional dictate continues,” the PS retorted.
To this end, Rono observed that according to the World Economic Gender Data, Kenya has made a significant leap in the Gender Development Index, moving from position 118 in 2018 to an impressive position 56 in 2022 globally.
She noted that by acknowledging the challenges facing the gender question in the country, the ICS is thus helping to create awareness and hence, solutions to the issues and at the heart of this conference lies the intertwined concepts of mentorship and partnerships which are the two pillars essential for the realization of gender-inclusive governance.
The PS explained that mentorship which is the guiding light that illuminates the path to leadership, is a bridge between aspiration and actualization and is a relationship that transcends generations, where the wisdom and experience of one becomes the beacon for the aspirations of another.
“Mentorship is not merely a passing of advice from one person to another; it’s an investment in potential, a nurturing of talents and a validation of aspirations and the impact of mentorship cannot be overstated, particularly in fields where women are underrepresented. It’s therefore incumbent upon us, as trailblazers, to extend a supporting hand and lift others as we climb,” CPA Rono advised.
She however noted that the road to gender-inclusive governance is troubled with impediments which include; systemic biases, cultural norms, and institutional barriers that continue to inhibit progress and reiterated that it was therefore mandatory upon us to address these challenges head-on, to break down barriers and create environments that not only encourage but champion the participation of women in governance.
On her part, the Chief Justice and the President of Supreme Court Martha Karambu Koome noted with concern that despite the remarkable strides that Kenya has made over the years, it is still a reality that women are still underrepresented and marginalized in governance and leadership.
She said this was due to numerous and complex barriers that women face in their quest for equal participation and influence in decision-making processes, noting that some of these barriers are structural, such as discriminatory laws, policies, or practices that limit women’s access to education, health, economic opportunities, or political rights.
“Other barriers are cultural, such as patriarchal norms, stereotypes, or prejudices that undermine women’s abilities, roles, or aspirations, while others are personal, such as lack of confidence, self-esteem, or support networks that enable women to pursue their goals and ambition,” Koome observed.
The remarks were contained in a speech read on her behalf by the Naivasha High Court Presiding Judge; Lady Justice Grace Nzioka.
The CJ asserted that the role of women cannot be understated in the ever-evolving landscape of governance as women bring in unique perspectives, skills, and strengths that are essential for the holistic development of our society.
But she was also quick to remark that the path to leadership for women has not always been smooth, observing that women have faced, and continue to confront significant barriers in their quest for equal participation in governance and leadership.
“Subsequently, partne5rship is key in this journey as it`s about creating platforms where women can collaborate, share experiences and support each other and about men and women working together, recognizing that gender equality benefits everyone. Hence, partnerships between public, private, and civil sectors are also crucial in fostering environments where women can thrive in governance roles,” Koome extolled.
She gave an example of the partnership in the Judiciary where the International Association of Women Judges -Kenya Chapter (IAWJ -Kenya Chapter); a network of women Judges and Magistrates in Kenya, whose aim is to enhance the capacity, visibility, and influence of women in the judiciary, and to promote gender-responsive justice delivery, has helped women judicial officers to access training, mentoring, networking, and advocacy opportunities, as well as to exchange best practices and lessons learned with their counterparts from other countries.
Koome urged the participants to work towards creating an environment where women can thrive and realise their potential and capabilities, adding that by doing this, they will be contributing not only to the economic and social development of our country, but also to the advancement of human rights and dignity for all within your sphere of influence.
She hailed the pioneer women Judges in Kenya who are now retired Justices; Effie Owuor and Joyce Aluoch who played a big role in mentoring a new generation of women Judges.
By Mabel Keya – Shikuku
