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Makueni, Kenya – October 10, 2024 — The Kenya Women Parliamentarians Association (KEWOPA) recently held an engaging community forum in Makueni County, bringing together diverse groups, including women leaders, community-based organizations (CBOs), persons with disabilities (PWDs), youth, and other local community groups. The forum, supported by Uraia Trust and the Embassy of Denmark, aimed at empowering participants to support women in politics and educating them on their constitutional rights.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Rose Museo, County MP for Makueni, highlighted the significance of public participation and encouraged the community to actively engage in governance. She urged participants to back the leadership of women who are already in office and emphasized the importance of spreading the knowledge gained during the forum to foster greater awareness and involvement in the community.
“Public participation is a vital component of democracy,” Hon. Museo said. “By actively engaging in governance, we can ensure that our leaders are held accountable, and that the voices of women, youth, and other marginalized groups are heard. I encourage everyone here to share the insights you’ve gained today with others, helping to build a stronger, more informed community.”
The forum also shed light on the struggles women have faced in the political sphere in their quest for gender parity and empowerment. Leveraging Article 27 (3) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which upholds the principles of equality and non-discrimination, women leaders have worked tirelessly to break barriers and make strides in politics. The Constitution guarantees fair treatment for both genders, reinforcing efforts to promote women’s participation in decision-making positions.
Despite these efforts, women’s underrepresentation in policymaking institutions persists, which translates to their interests being underrepresented. This issue is further compounded for other vulnerable and marginalized groups across the country. Article 100 of the Constitution addresses this shortcoming, empowering Parliament to pass laws that advance the representation of these groups, ensuring their voices are included in the national conversation.
The forum recognized that multiple factors continue to hinder women’s full engagement in politics, ranging from social norms to political and economic barriers prevalent across Kenya’s 47 counties. Through collaborations like this, KEWOPA hopes to dismantle these obstacles, creating a more inclusive environment where women can participate in politics without fear of discrimination or bias.
With initiatives like the Makueni forum, KEWOPA continues to champion the cause for women’s empowerment and greater gender equality. By engaging local communities and fostering a better understanding of political rights and the role of women leaders, the organization is making strides toward achieving gender parity in Kenyan politics.
The forum marks a step forward in the mission to build awareness, empower community members, and ensure that women’s contributions to leadership and governance are recognized, respected, and celebrated across Kenya.
