Kiambu County Government is actively working towards the realization of gender parity and inclusivity in all spheres of governance, Governor Kimani Wamatangi has said.
He explained that from the position of Deputy Governor to those of county executive committee members and departmental heads in his administration, women hold key positions not as tokens but as deserving leaders in their own right.
Speaking during the commemoration of International Women’s Day, the Governor said that women are the ones able to bring positive changes as well as impact the workforce and also in the families as a voice of reason, especially in times of turmoil.
“By investing in women, we are not only investing in their potential but also in the progress and prosperity of our families, nations and the world at large. When they are given equal opportunities and empowered to thrive, they become agents of change, driving innovation and inclusive growth”, he said.
According to the Governor, this year’s theme: “Invest in Her: Accelerate Progress” recognizes that everyone has the power to be a catalyst for change by championing gender equality and inclusivity in our spheres of lives.
Groots Kenya Executive Director, Rachel Kagoiya, requested the governor to invest in women by funding the women in the community.
She urged the Governor to invest in the Groots champions model that stipulates that society needs to believe in the urgency and voices of the women in the community because they have the solution.
“At Groots Kenya, we have a model called Groots Kenya Champions Model, and we would like you to test that model. It has been tested and tried for the last 29 years. The women are the ones who know where the shoe hurts and they also have the solution” she said.
This year’s theme resonates well with the national development agenda, vision 2030’s social pillar which aspires to build a just and cohesive society that enjoys equitable social development through investing in the people.
The theme further reinforces the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) which recognizes the significance of women’s economic empowerment in fostering equitable development and offers support through access to finance, markets, skills development and entrepreneurship.
The event was graced by Department of Education, Gender, Culture and Social Services County Executive Committee Member Ms. Nancy Gichung’wa, Chief Officer of Vocational Training and Social Services Ms. Emily Nkoroi, County Commissioner Dancun Darusi, CECMs, Chief Officers, partners and Members of the County Assembly.
By Xavier Brian and Sylvia Wanjohi
