INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Kenyan Woman MARCH 8, 2014 Kenyan Woman

SPECIAL ISSUEInspiring Change International Women’s Day | march 8, 2014

Women walking back to their homes in Gumuruk, Pibor County, Jonglei State. picture: Plan International Kenyan Woman INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Kenyan Woman 2 MARCH 8, 2014 MARCH 8, 2014 3

Another key intervention includes the Road to equality 30 percent affirmative action for women and youth to access procurement Road to equality remains bumpy for Kenyan women remains bumpy tenders advertised by the government. of Constitutional commissions, six Challenges Despite the percent of parastatal heads, 13 per for Kenyan cent of county secretaries and 21 per Sadly, however, although the country’s cent of county assembly clerks. women Government recently said all maternity services in public hospitals will be progressive and free, the Kenya Position Paper for the In class: Framework << from page 2 because ideally, they 58th Session on the Commission on Kenya makes gender sensitive As we seek meaning today around should be similar to the Status of Women says the Kenya what this day signifies, there is need those of elected members. significant Demographic Health Survey report gains in constitution, to fully operationalise the Constitution Her sentiments are echoed by Prof does not paint a good picture. It notes and enact laws that seek to ensure Wanjiku Kabira who notes that education as that while in 2003 there 414 deaths gender equality gender equity in major decision making affirmative action clause is a critical scores of girls per 100,000, this increased to 488 in organs. component towards the realisation of enrol in school. 2008. However, it is hoped that things PICTURE: FILE remains elusive Lichuma says that the realization of the two thirds gender rule. will improve with the interventions the substantive equality is proving rather Government has made since 2013 on “Women have always lobbied heavily the maternal and neonatal road map, even as MDGs challenging and hence the need to and helped to draft the new Constitution develop a strong legal framework that including the free maternity services in which has entrenched the affirmative public hospitals. come to a close binds everyone. action clause and guaranteed an Lichuma cites the recent appointments additional 47 seats for women in the “The national maternal mortality ratio in 2015 of parastatal chiefs by President Uhuru counties without which the numbers Counting in the gender agenda which was 590 per 100,000 live births Kenyatta that saw only two women in the National assembly would be in 1999 declined to 414 per 100,000 By Faith Muiruri appointed as heads of parastatals out wanting,” notes Kabira. By Jane Godia the paper Kenya will be presenting education. “This process has been live births in 2003 then slightly went up was prepared through participatory made possible by the Government to 488 in 2008/2009 indicating that the of the 38 positions. In addition, the Constitution has created ven as we mark the process and is owned by the steering putting in place free secondary Millennium Development Goal target of a framework of law that responds in a s Kenyans mark the She says that a technical team has International Women’s committee that included government, school day education,” he explained. 147 per 100,000 live births is yet to be very direct and unequivocal manner International Women’s been established by NGEC to come up Day today, Kenya will be civil society and UN agencies. “However, there are disparities as met. The proportion of births attended to the age-old discrimination against Day, time is fast racing with a framework on how the two thirds standingE tall in a few days’ time as we go higher in tertiary colleges and to by skilled personnel was at 42.3 per women in Kenya. Mangiti noted that there is a lot of againstA the country’s bid to bridge gender rule is to be realised. it presents its position paper at the university education.” cent in 2011 falling short of the 90 per interest in the CSW but unfortunately glaring gender inequalities and Further, the Constitution contemplates 58th Session of the Commission cent target,” notes the report. She explains that the framework there are not enough funds to take The Kenya position paper also notes the passage of various pieces of on the Status of Women scheduled empower women ahead of the 2015 emanates from Article 27 (8) which everybody to New York. “We have not that women have made significant The Position Paper notes that to ensure legislation to flesh out some of the rights to start on March 10 to March 21. Millennium Development Goals states that the State shall take been able to accommodate everyone strides in developing their careers that the reproductive health strategies it provides for. These include legislation (MDGs) deadline. legislative and other measures to In highlighting its success, Kenya due to financial constraints,” he within the civil service. are focused towards achieving the on citizenship, culture, leadership and The level of women representation implement the principle that not more will be represented by a high explained. MDGs, the Government of Kenya has representation of marginalised groups. It notes that in 2007 the Government in the country is still very low and than two thirds of the members of powered delegation that will include revised and aligned various national There will be a joint side event with put in place a policy requiring all public with the apparent push by African elective or appointive bodies shall be Most of these pieces of legislation have a government delegation led by policy documents including the the first will be kicked off by Anne institutions reserve 30 per cent of all countries for integration of the aspect of the same gender. not received any significant attention. the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of National Reproductive Health Strategy Waiguru, Cabinet Secretary Ministry new appointments and promotions of gender equality in the post-2015 Further, for them to affect women Devolution and Planning, Anne 2009-2015, The Reproductive Health “The team has been tasked to review of Devolution and Planning who for women. As a result the number development agenda, Kenyans will there is need to ensure that they are in Waiguru which also houses the Communication Strategy 2010-2012 Martha Karua addresses a campaign all proposals towards the realisation of will give an overview of the event. of women has been increasing from need to build on the foundations laid by Article 29 (c).The State has also been consonance with the Constitution. Gender Directorate. Other officials and the National Family Planning rally prior to the 2013 General Elections the two thirds gender rule while at the This will be followed by a panel (32.4 per cent) 2008 to (38 per cent) the Constitution. limited in terms of discriminating any will come from various ministries Guidelines. during which she contested and lost same time collating views from experts discussion led by Government, in 2012. person on any ground such as race, and Kenyans,” Lichuma explains including the Ministry of Education The Constitution has created a legal the presidential polls. Scores of women Vigilance civil society, National Gender and sex under Article 27 (5). which will be represented by the Interventions framework that clearly addresses like her are willing to take on political She notes that the technical committee According to Daisy Amdany, chairperson Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang. Equality Commission, Kenya Women In Article 27 (6), the State is charged Gaps gender inequality with women-specific leadership but the society has not been will first define timelines within which Women’s Political Alliance, women, They will be joined by members of Parliamentary Association and the The Kenya Position Paper also notes to take legislative measures such However, placement of women in interventions such as affirmative as receptive. PICTURE: KENYAN WOMAN the two thirds gender principle is to be their representatives and civil society civil society and UN agencies. Anti-Female Genital Mutilation Board. that a Health Sector Gender Policy is as affirmative action programmes senior decision making positions in action and numerical quotas in public CORRESPONDENT attained as the Supreme Court ruling did organisations must guard against the It will be an interactive session also in the process of being developed and policies designed to redress any Addressing the various stakeholders the public service remains tilted in institutions thus recognising the not delve into timelines as suggested by risk of dilution of the rights enshrined and a demonstration by Kenya on as a framework to address the critical disadvantages suffered by individuals during a pre-CSW session at favour of men. Women’s employment insufficiency of bare formal equality. Commission on Administrative Justice. in the basic law by the expected how joint collaboration between roles that health determinants such as or groups because of past systematic Critics have argued that it is unfair for Treasury building, Engineer Peter remains either within the traditional Article 10 (2) of the Constitution sets legislations. the Government and Civil Society social and cultural factors as well as discrimination. women to have dedicated electoral “What the court said is that the Mangiti, Principal Secretary Ministry female occupations or within the out national values and principles of has worked well in delivering the power relations between women and posts, but despite these affirmative framework has to be created by August In addition there are many statutes that of Devolution and Planning noted domestic and farming sectors all too governance which include participation The Constitution of Kenya has also Millennium Development Goals men play in promoting, accessing and action measures, the guaranteed 47 2015 and the technical team can either are clearly contrary to the spirit and that even though the focus of the often as casual/unskilled workers. made a major step towards ensuring with a particular focus on education utilising health services for generally of the people, human dignity, equity, seats are still far below the 117 needed opt for legislation or an amendment intendment of the new Constitutional meeting will be based on challenges gender equity in major decision for women and girls. The panel Of significance is the new improved health outcomes. social justice, inclusiveness, equality, to satisfy the one third gender rule. of the Constitution. We are giving framework. and achievements of Millennium making organs. This is an important discussion will be complemented with Government historical decision to human rights, non-discrimination and ourselves a time frame of 90 days Development Goal Three, they will Additionally, the Government has step because historically in Kenya, The dearth of Kenyan women in the Lichuma cites the Succession Act a documentary. appoint six women out of 18 cabinet sustainable development. which is already running to be able to be looking at the nearing end of the domesticated the global plan to women have always been under- top echelons is noticeably mirrored at as one such law which perpetuates secretaries to powerful dockets which These national values and principles have a framework,” explains Lichuma. MDGs as well as post-2015, which “Eliminate new HIV infections among represented in decision making on different levels of leadership. inequalities between men and women. include; Defence, Devolution and of governance are an assurance is the year that the goals come to an Gains children and keeping their mothers issues of governance. The Constitution Planning, Lands, Housing and Urban especially to women that empowerment At both the senate and gubernatorial Other areas where Kenya’s performance end. The side event, therefore, will be alive by 2015” campaign which does not, however, make provisions Ruling Development, Environment Water and and gender equity will be achieved. positions, all the elected representatives is still dire include access to essential held in recognition of the significant focuses on the 22 countries with the that give a 50-50 gender balance but A technical She says that the Supreme Court “Ministry of Devolution is coordinating Natural Resources, Foreign Affairs, The national values and principles are male. Women serve as deputy reproductive health services for gains made by Kenya in Education. highest estimated numbers of pregnant a two thirds balance which has been largely relied on the High Court ruling Kenya’s participation to the CSW, in a East African Affairs, Commerce and of governance bind all state organs, team has been governors and their numbers translate women, which is very limited especially The theme of the side even is women living with HIV. As a result of aptly captured in Article 27 (8) for those in a case filed by FIDA challenging the process that has been participatory,” Tourism. state officers, public officers and all to a paltry 19 per cent in the 47 counties in rural areas. Breaking Through: Enhancing the this campaign, new infections among seeking elective or appointive posts. established by NGEC Mangiti said. He noted that Kenya will while at the Senate, women account composition of the Supreme Court. The Government has also supported children have been brought down persons. “The unmet need for family planning have three major events in New York lives of Women and Girls Through to come up with a for 90 per cent of the nominees and Education. Panellists in this side programmes towards the full significantly from an estimated 100 HIV Article 27(1) provides that every person According to the High court ruling, is high and unsafe abortion is a major which will include the presentation Representation cannot vote. event include Kipsang (Principal implementation of United Nations infections per day to 36 infants infected is equal before the law and has the right framework on how the Article 81 (b) is aspirational and it problem predominantly for poor women of the country position paper, a side Secretary Education), Sabina Security Council Resolution 1325 with HIV every day. to equal protection and equal benefit However, this is largely on paper and According to the National Gender presupposes open ended schemes and unmarried women leading to high event and a documentary on Kenya’s two thirds gender rule Chege (chairperson Parliamentary through the development of the of the law. Moreover, Article 27 (2) is has not translated to any meaningful and Equality Commission (NGEC) of decision making and programming maternal mortality, infections and achievements and challenges in However, owing to the high cost of departmental committee on Education National Action Plan with clear defined to include the full and equal representation. The affirmative is to be realised. chairperson Winnie Lichuma, at the which can only be effected over a span infertility,” notes Lichuma. relation to gender equality. maternal health care and the fact Science), Jebii Kilimo (chairperson recognition of the importance of enjoyment of all rights and fundamental action clause in the Constitution National Assembly, elected women of time. that 85 per cent of the national HIV This is against a backdrop of a spirited According to Mangiti, Kenya position person Anti-FGM Board) and Winnie equal participation of women in freedoms. Further, Article 27 (3) is notwithstanding, political representation account for a mere six per cent while Another hurdle lies in the fact that the programme is donor funded, the global campaign by African countries to push will be well articulated. Lichuma (chairperson National peace and security processes, and categorical that women and men have of Kenyan women currently stands at a their nominated counterparts stand at Supreme Court saw challenges in the economic recession constitutes a Winnie Lichuma, National for a stand-alone goal to achieve gender Gender and Equality Commission). the mainstreaming of gender in the right to equal treatment, including mere 15 per cent compared to Rwanda 33 per cent. attainment of Article 27, based on the threat to the country’s gains. In addition Gender and Equality equality, women rights and women’s humanitarian action. the right to equal opportunities in — 56 per cent, South Africa — 42 per perceptions of an existing contradiction Position While recognizing achievements easily preventable illnesses such as Commission (NGEC) The same picture is replicated at the empowerment that is grounded in political, economic, cultural and social cent, Tanzania — 36 per cent and County Assemblies where the number between Article 27 (6) and (7) and made in education, the Kenya Efforts by the government through malaria and tuberculosis still claim chairperson human rights and tackles unequal He noted: “Africa has a well stated spheres. Uganda —35 per cent. of elected women translates to 6 Articles 97 and 98. power relations. position that was well articulated position paper also recognizes the economic measures in strengthening many lives each year. Only one in ten percent. Further women account for in Addis Ababa early in the year. challenges that face girls especially women’s financial independence Kenyans have health insurance and the In addition, the scope within which Although this is the highest number of She says that issues regarding to The MDGs did not address the root 33 per cent of cabinet secretaries, 27 We want to ensure that the Kenyan lack of information on how to deal have also been captured and of public health facilities are faced with women and men are protected from female representatives Kenya has ever powers, privileges and facilitation of causes of poverty, most especially per cent of principal secretaries, 50 per position is well articulated and that with the growing up process. particular mention are the Women inadequate management, insufficient any form of violence from either public had in the area of political leadership, the affirmative action beneficiaries are women’s inequality, which made it participation has generally improved cent as chairpersons of independent it resonates with the African Union,” Enterprise Fund, Uwezo Fund and medical supplies and rigid bureaucratic or private sources is provided for in it is still a rather poor showing in this likely to present additional challenges impossible for the goals to be truly Kipsang noted that Kenya has almost around the world. offices; 42 per cent chairpersons Page3>> reiterated Mangiti.He stressed that Youth Enterprise. procurement procedures. day and age, where women’s political transformative. achieved gender parity in secondary Kenyan Woman INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Kenyan Woman 4 MARCH 8, 2014 MARCH 8, 2014 5

sought to bring clarity and certainty to the term of the Tenth Parliament while also removing any bigger prospects for increasing the level of doubts as to the date of the next general elections women representation. under the Constitution of Kenya 2010.” We are there yes, but we need The ruling on the two thirds gender principle However, complications arose about how to relied on provisions of Article 100 and proceed with the bill after it had undergone the thus Parliament must enact the necessary First Reading, due to the fact that it had also legislation to give effect to the two thirds support on empowerment contained an amendment to assist in clarifying the gender principle by August 27, 2015. to enable them develop skills, knowledge issue of the election date. Following the decision The legislation must also be enacted within By Jane Godia and confidence to formulate winning gender of the Constitutional Court with respect to the agendas, articulate them clearly and defend Women members election date, the question arose as to whether the timeframe outlined in the fifth schedule of eing in parliament is one thing, but the Constitution. them all through without fear. This way we can of the National bill should proceed as is, or be withdrawn and re- managing to navigate the terrain promote and realize gender equality faster in Assembly and tabled after the section dealing with the election “The Constitution also provides a recourse if the that goes with being a political Kenya. Senate join date had been excised. legislation is not enacted within the specified representativeB is another. Women from single constituencies are also women from timeframe. Article 261 of the Constitution can The Commission for the Implementation of the As Kenyans went to the electioneering mood that accused of drawing a line between themselves civil society be invoked to pave way for the dissolution of Constitution advised the then minister in charge culminated with the General elections in March and those who are representing counties. organisations of Constitutional Affairs to withdraw the Bill and Parliament at the expiry of the grace period,” 4, 2013, women were rocking the hitherto quiet in a two day publish a new Bill, but this was not done. explains Ghai. waters in areas that were male dominated. This should not be the case as they need to consultative Article 100 is really meant to promote have seamless boundaries despite their political Women went on to win in elections that saw them parties or constituency representation. forum to look Crisis measures that may include education and competing against men, and the result of this at the agenda providing incentives such as using the Political was 16 women out of 290 single constituency Juma notes: “There are so many issues that are In order to find a solution to the looming of advancing Parties Fund to reward parties that get women seats. looked at as women’s issues. Fear of women women’s rights. constitutional crisis, the Attorney General filed an elected. representatives competing with those from Another 47 came from the single county Despite gender Advisory Reference in the Supreme Court to seek single constituencies is derailing the unity that is a Constitutional interpretation of how the country “While it is highly possible that they may have constituencies as well as an additional five that conscious needed.” She adds: “Women must be challenged should attain the gender equity principle. misunderstood the intentions of Article 100, was nominated. legislations, the good news is that all laws under Article to speak with the same voice as an inspiration to Kenya lags The Supreme Court however ruled that the two- 100 must be passed by 2015 as stipulated in However, the challenge that the women are now their presence in the august House.” behind her thirds gender principle is ‘aspirational’ in that it the fifth schedule of the Constitution,” Ghai facing is how to balance their presence in the However, Ghati says there is need for women to neighbours in lacks a normative framework for its attainment, explains. august House and political survival. strategize more, find their course and move with terms of gender similar to Article 177 which refers to the According to Patricia Nyaundi, Commission it. This is why the women leaders are coming composition of county assemblies. Focus now shifts to Parliament to give meaning equality at to the two thirds gender rule which is derived Secretary, Kenya National Commission on together to work with the women’s movement. decision making On the issue of a deadline for the attainment under Article 81(b) of the Constitution. Human Rights, the challenge the women “It would be a shame if women fail to deliver,” levels. of the principle, the Supreme Court restricted politicians are facing is one of being relevant. Ghati says. itself to providing a deadline by which legislation Options Ghati explains: “Women’s representatives are PICTURE: FILE providing for a mechanism to realize this principle Agenda should be introduced- as opposed to the deadline Parliament has an array of options including struggling and strategizing. Some have resorted for actual attainment (as requested by the CAJ). putting in place legislative measures it “Sadly it seems the understanding of relevant to using their networks for fundraising to support issues is defined by the party affiliations and their projects.” Further, the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) The Supreme Court appeared to suggest that considers appropriate for the purpose of that the doctrine of separation of powers may be enforcing or securing the enforcement of the larger party agenda. The women need to However, the women leaders who came from the Bill, 2011, was introduced in Parliament by the problematize gender,” Nyaundi advices. then Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and impacted negatively if they were to go further. two thirds gender rule. corporate sector are particularly challenged in Are quotas Kenya’s Constitutional Affairs on 19th October, 2011, Parliament can enact the legislation According to Nyaundi the fight for gender terms of raising money for their constituencies following extensive discussions and negotiations Roadmap contemplated in Article 27(8) or amend the equality is being affected by other factors such when they cannot get government funding. between and among civil society organisations, as ethnic alignment, noting that failure to commit While the ruling at best was considered as a Constitution as proposed earlier to have top Women are still far, they Ghati says there is need for the women leaders Parliament, and the Cabinet. up seats. to gender equality does not cost political votes. subversion of the new constitution and a denial of need more numbers. to continue having a working relationship with panacea to inequalities The bill aimed at giving full effect to Articles justice to the majority of the women who looked Prof Wanjiru Kabira says that Parliament must However, Dennitah Ghati, Migori County Member the women’s movement. 27(8) and 81(b) which provides that not more to the forthcoming elections with much optimism, take advantage of the grace period to effect the of Parliament, observes that most women in the They need continuous capacity This is reiterated by Joyce Emanikor, Women legislative assembly came from a background than two-thirds of the members of elective public it could provide a clear roadmap towards the gender rule within the stipulated timeframe. building on many areas Member of Parliament for Turkana County who bodies shall be of the same gender. The Bill also implementation of the two thirds gender rule. without a public life. They are, however, now in says they need money to build the capacity of “The Supreme Court ruling granted Parliament the full glare of the whole nation. In their small in the political scene? With 2015 beckoning, the realization of two thirds a temporary reprieve which expires in 2015. including team building women even at the grassroots level. “We want numbers, women have been forced to learn how gender rule is still fraught with uncertainties. money to go into capacity building for women to By Faith Muiruri participate in representational politics? After that anybody can move to court and to lobby to have issues that are sensitive to their and resource mobilization. seek dissolution of Parliament if the required empower them from the grassroots whether it is The National Gender and Equality Commission course supported by men. politically, socially or economically.” (NGEC) has established a technical team to legislation is not put in place,” Kabira Dilemma explains. This is supported by Mishi Juma, Mombasa he two thirds gender rule still remains come up with the mechanism contemplated in County Member of Parliament, who says women Joyce Emanikor, Women Member of The Constitutional requirement for one third Participation the remedy in addressing gender the Supreme Court ruling. According to Kabira, once the legislation are trying to be at the forefront but they still need Parliament for Turkana County representation in Parliament by either gender has disparities that have defined Kenya’s But the technical committee has to overcome a is enacted, political parties can decide to capacity building on several skills to enable them According to the Beijing Platform for Action, had its share of misfortunes. politicalT landscape since independence. number of hurdles including defining timelines nominate more women to parliament to bridge wade through the parliamentary terrain. women’s equal participation in decision making the gender gap. is not only a demand for simple justice or The “winners-take it all” coupled by the First Prior to the promulgation of the Constitution of within which the two thirds gender principle is to However, balancing political survival with pushing democracy but can also be seen as a necessary Past the Post (FPTP) electoral system and the Kenya in 2010, a number of options were tabled be attained, as the Supreme Court ruling did not “Once the necessary legislation is in place, for gender equality remains a challenge for the Capacity condition for women’s interests to be taken unyielding patriarchal political culture continue to and discussed for the realisation of the two-thirds delve into timelines as suggested by Commission political parties can still nominate more women women. Women, who are on the government Despite training by the Kenya Women into account. Achieving the goal of equal undermine women’s participation in competitive gender principle by stakeholders. on Administrative Justice. to parliament to meet the two thirds gender side, or Jubilee Coalition, are accused of not Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), women participation of women and men in decision politics. Key among them included the twining or multi- rule. But even if this is not done, women will wanting to be seen to be going against the Another hurdle lies in the fact that the Supreme still do not know how to come up with motions. making provides a balance that more accurately member electoral system which called for the be assured of a solidified gender quota during grain. While the Constitution gives express provisions Court saw challenges in the attainment of Article Juma notes that women must be empowered reflects the composition of society and is needed twining of proposed 80 new constituencies with the 2017 General Elections. for effective representation through affirmative 27, based on the perception of an existing and supported to push crucial bills. in order to strengthen democracy and promote action, it fails to provide a mechanism to facilitate pre-existing constituencies, and the twinned contradiction between Article 27(6) and (7) - and The Kenya Human Right Commission (KHRC), Survival its proper function”.Women leaders in parliament “It is important that forums are held every time the implementation of the principle in Articles 97 constituencies would then elect a man and a Articles 97 and 98. nevertheless, feels that Parliament needs to are already an inspiration to those out of the there is a crucial bill in the house to analyse it According to Millicent Wamaitha, Acting and 98 namely the National Assembly and the woman. This raised challenges in terms of its explore legislative mechanisms that include august House. To serve the unity of purpose, NGEC chairperson Winnie Lichuma says that so that women understand how they are going Programme Coordinator Foundation for Senate. operationalization, given the autonomy of political The Supreme Court amending the Elections Act and the Political weaknesses and challenges that women are the Attorney General also introduced the issue to vote,” observes Juma. She explains: “At times Women’s Rights women leaders are too engaged parties to field candidates of their choice, and the Parties Act to enforce the gender rule. facing need to be identified and tackled to show Article 27 (8) of the Constitution directs the state to ruling granted Parliament of an ‘undue tax burden’ which may be played up women end up voting wrongly not because they in protecting their political careers. sanctity of the right to vote. that the space they so hard fought for rightly take legislative and other measures to implement within Parliament. “Asking Parliament to amend the Constitution wanted but because of confusion over where to Another option included rotating of constituencies a temporary reprieve which “At times they get compromised and cease to belongs to them. the principle that not more than two-thirds of the The two thirds gender rule is meant to increase could result in reversal of gains. It will set a vote.” which relied on the fact that Article 97(1) (b) actively defend laws that protect gender equality members of elective or appointive bodies shall be expires in 2015. After that women participation in politics and based on this bad precedent of resorting too quickly to As Emanikor says: “Women are still far, they creates 47 special seats that would add to the Juma says that due to political alignments, despite the fact that they should be at the of the same gender. principle at least 117 MPs should be female now constitutional amendment whenever there is a need more numbers. They need continuous number of women in the National Assembly. It also anybody can move to court women in the august House are still challenged forefront. Sometimes many, particularly the new that men are still dominant. challenge,” the Commission avers. capacity building on many areas including team The principle is further replicated in Article 81(b): relied on the fact that Article 97(1) (c) provides for over having the same voice in the House. women leaders do not have the guts and sharp “The electoral system shall comply with the and seek dissolution of The Kenya Government has in the past skills to stand up to aggressive or experienced building and resource mobilization.” the nomination of 12 members to the National Currently, there are only 68 women in the National Ghati says women are quietly learning the tricks following principles [...] not more than two-thirds signalled its belief in using ordinary legislation male leaders,” explains Wamaitha. She adds: Women must be able to bring into the house Assembly (by political parties, according to the Parliament if the required Assembly which is way below the two thirds of the House. “We will be more engaging this of the members of elective public bodies shall be to achieve gender balance. Its periodic “The fear takes precedence forcing them to watch meaningful participation. Meaningful political proportion of their membership), 6 of whom must gender threshold envisioned in the Constitution. year as we are looking at a few benchmarks of the same gender.” Article 177(b) in turn insists legislation is not put in place reports to Convention on the Elimination of silently or from a distance as good legislations participation requires certain institutional be women. This guaranteed a total of 53 women in such as the Millennium Development Goals and that a county assembly consists of “no more than Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) are mutilated and rendered ineffective to address arrangements in society to link people’s activities the National Assembly. Prospects trying to see how Kenya fared.” two-thirds […] of the same gender”. (even before Constitution of Kenya 2010) gender balance issues in the country.” to the policy making processes. Real engagement However, none of these proposals were accepted Prof Wanjiru Kabira indicate that it is possible to achieve that Under Kewopa, the women leaders have decided According to Jill Ghai, a legal expert on Wamaitha notes that there is hence need to can only come through genuine opportunities for But why has the provision of minimum gender by the Cabinet or Parliamentarians in the Tenth objective through the instrument of the Political to take a bipartisan approach to issues so that Constitutional matters, Article 81 (b) still holds build the capacities of first time women leaders participation and communication. representation failed to open space for women to Parliament. Parties Act. women’s voices are heard. Kenyan Woman INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Kenyan Woman 6 MARCH 8, 2014 MARCH 8, 2014 7

A report on the Implementation of Quotas: African Experiences by Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) reveals that over 20 countries on the continent have either legislated quotas or political parties have adopted them Few men walked beside women voluntarily. By Duncan Mboyah Among countries that have registered remarkable ince the early 1960s progress in the level of women representation when the country gained through quotas include Rwanda which accounts independence, it has been for the highest number of female representation aS long tiring walk for women. at 64 percent. However, they have made some Experts in constitutional matters reveal that strides since they started fighting for Rwanda is one step ahead. For having enforced their freedom and equality in the. the gender rule in the constitution (Article 9 (4)) The Constitution of Kenya 2010 crowned which accords at least 30 percent of positions in it all as it gave women opportunities decision making to women. The 80 members of that were previously unthinkable. the Chamber of Deputies are elected as follows: 53 members elected by direct universal suffrage However, even as the women took through a secret ballot but using a closed list of the walk, they were not alone. A few Proportional Representation, 24 women two from outstanding men put up a serious each province and from the City of Kigali by an campaign to support the women’s electoral college with a women only ballot; two quest for gender equality. members elected by the National Youth Council Among these notable men are the and one member elected by the Federation of the late Mutula Kilonzo, late Dr. Oki Association of the Disabled (Constitution Article Ooko Ombaka, Dr. Willy Mutunga 76). (current Chief Justice) and Cyprian Nyamwamu. Account Kilonzo played a key role in the In Tanzania, women account for 36 percent of enactment of the new constitution that Hon Charity representation in Parliament. Tanzania adopted a gave women powers that had not been system where every political party which contests Ngilu with seen since independence. He was at for Parliamentary elections must propose and scores of the forefront in campaigning for the submit to the electoral Commission names of new constitution, not only as a politician women who eligible women candidates for nomination as but also as the Minister for Justice and joined the Members of Parliament for “Women Special Constitutional Affairs. It was under his race in the Seats” as stipulated in the Elections Regulations docket that the Constitution of Kenya 2013 general 2010, Article 67 (1). 2010 was promulgated. elections. As at January 2012, there were 350 members in During the campaigns for the enactment the National Assembly of whom 126 are women. PICTURE: of the new constitution, majority of those Seven additional members can be appointed by opposed to the new Constitution were Kenyan Woman Correspondent. the President. Of the 126 women, 21 are directly actually not supportive of women’s elected from constituencies, 102 elected under gains in the new laws. Mutula stood special seats for women, two (of a total of five) firm and assured women to vote for from Zanzibar and one is appointed as Attorney the constitution for their future or else General. their long struggle would still not be achieved. In Uganda, women representation stands at 35 percent. The Parliament of Uganda is comprised Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, is known as follows: 238 Constituency Representatives; as having been a committed activist Kenyan women have not 112 District Women Representatives, previously in the pro-democracy movement in indirectly elected but since 2006 elected by Kenya since the 1970s. During this all voters on a special ballot in each district for period, Mutunga agitated for gender women candidates only; 10 Uganda People’s rights.As the Regional Representative been able to break the glass Defence Forces Representatives of whom two for Ford Foundation, where Mutunga must be women. Five youth representatives of was foreseeing all grant making in The late Mutula Kilonzo, then as Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs in a past function. Kilonzo played a key role in the enactment of the new constitution that gave whom one must be a woman, five representatives East Africa mainly focusing on human women powers that had not been seen since independence. PICTURE: FILE of persons with disabilities of whom one must be rights, social justice and protection of a woman and five representatives of workers of women’s rights. In its majority view, the Supreme Court championed constitutional changes organisation that is credited for ceiling in political leadership whom one must be a woman. Mutunga interacted with many women noted that the passage of legislation to that led to women’s gains in the new engaging the Kenyan government By Joyce Chimbi According to figures by the Independent Electoral Article 27 (6) demands that the state take In South Africa and Mozambique, women hold and helped encourage them to upscale redress an injustice is a process that laws. during President Moi’s era for must run over time, given the need to constitutional reforms has managed to and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in the 2013 legislative and other measures including 30 per cent of the seats in Parliament. These two their call for recognition. Ombaka’s writings can be said to have conduct studies and develop legislative steer the organisation into championing General Election, out of the 197 women who vied affirmative action programmes and policies to countries have met the international threshold. helped shape the constitutional making proposals. for the rights of men and women. for a National Assembly seat, only 16 made it to redress any disadvantage suffered by individuals Women’s representation in national parliaments process in support of creating room for hile there are many women who Projects have been willing to take on political parliament. This is in comparison to 1,908 men or groups because of past discrimination. across sub-Saharan Africa equals the world Another notable man who supported gender equality. During the debates, NCEC through mass action was able average of about 15 per cent.The Frelimo Party He approved funding to projects leadership, the society has not been who vied for the same position and 274 were of women’s walk to attaining gender references were made from his works to force the regime to initiate dialogue elected. in Mozambique has used gender quotas since that were aimed at liberating and equality and empowerment is the late that led to the change of attitude of men with the opposition and civil society asW receptive. Not even the gender progressive Struggle 1994. The party’s policy requires that 40 per cent creating change among women in the laws have made the going easier for women The 16 women who were elected represent a Dr. Oki Ooko Ombaka. He worked with in adopting what women negotiators groups. But Kenyan women are not in this battle alone, of candidates to National Assembly and local grassroots level and entrusting them various international organisations proposed. in politics. paltry 12 percent of the total number of women Nyamwamu’s contribution helped in the same trend can be seen across the continent government should be women. In addition, the with leadership. for the furtherance of human rights, who vied for a National Assembly seat. Women Ombaka was involved in public interest demystifying the state and its forms of Article 27(3) of the Constitution of Kenya provides with a few disparities. In a bid to improve women quota system was accompanied by a commitment gender and development issues. He now account for a mere five percent in the National He has authored a number of widely law projects through the provision of violence and proving what it could carve that both women and men have the right to representation in political leadership, African to balance the distribution of men and women edited Women and Law in Kenya with Assembly. published articles, the rights of legal aid, legal policy research focusing under pressure. Through Nyamwamu’s equal treatment, including the right to equal countries have three main quota systems namely through the list. Currently Frelimo holds 191 seats Mary Mbeo which notes: “Although detainees, the role of NGOs and on human and civil rights governance, contributions NCEC emerged as the opportunities in political, economic, cultural and At the county representative contest, 623 vied for the Constitutional quotas, Election law quotas of a total of 250 seats in the national assembly. the law in Kenya is discriminatory in civil society in democratization, the environmental, and consumer only civil society movement to sincerely social spheres. the position and only 77 of them were elected. This and the political party quotas. Some countries, its application to the sexes, it gives In Burundi, women representation stands at 30.5 constitutional rights of Kenya’s nomad protection. He pioneered human expose the regime’s dishonesty and Article 81 (b) stipulates that not more than two represents 12 per cent of women who contested at including Kenya, Burkina Faso and Uganda, women some rights but most women per cent, the gender rule is entrenched in Article pastoralists, and the rights of tenants. rights non-governmental organisations disinterest in initiating constitutional thirds of members of elective public bodies shall the ward level. The same position attracted 9,287 have constitutional provisions reserving seats in are not aware of them. The immediate 164 of the 2004 Constitution which assigns a 30 when civil space was limited and was changes that would lead to women’s be of the same gender. men contestants, where 1,393 were elected. national parliament for women. Even when a case was sent to the problem is, therefore, not the absence percent quota for women in Parliament. Supreme Court to determine the two ChiefJustice Dr Willy Mutunga. instrumental in the setting up of various empowerment. While a number of women eyed and vied for Election law quotas are written into national or inadequacy of legal rights but the lack Articles 177 (b) and 197 states that the two Article 38 (3) of the electoral code stipulates that thirds principle, Mutunga was the only PICTURE: FILE human rights organisations in Kenya. the Senate position, none of them got in. At the legislation, as is the case with Sudan while in of awareness. Women form more than These few men made it possible thirds gender principle must apply in both County lists must take account of the gender balance,” and one in the Bench who supported its gubernatorial level, only six women vied for the the case of political party quotas, parties adopt half of the adult population in Kenya property ownership. through their own contributions to have Assemblies and County Executive Committees. Article 147 demands that “One in four candidates immediate enactment. post against 2,301 men contestants. None of internal rules to include a certain percentage of but many are suffering discrimination Recognition a constitution that had provisions in must be a woman”.Although the figures are still At the time of his death, Ombaka Currently parliament has a paltry 68 female MPs them were elected. Only one woman contested women as candidates for office. This is the case Mutunga is the only one who held and abuse.”Another book that is tied to favour of women. They helped lure low, gender and political experts contend that was the first vice-chairperson of Cyprian Nyamwamu, Chief Executive in the 349 members of the National Assembly in Presidential race against seven men and with the governing parties in South Africa and a dissenting view and proposed the Ombaka “Women and Property Rights several men in joining women for the Africa is headed in the right direction. the Constitution of Kenya Review Officer of the National Convention which is way below the 30 percent requirement. Mozambique. immediate realisation of the principle. in Kenya”, gives a reflection of women’s fight for their rights. performed dismally. Commission (CKRC), the body that Executive Council (NCEC), an Kenyan Woman INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Kenyan Woman 8 MARCH 8, 2014 MARCH 8, 2014 9 Women representation beyond numbers Africa’s great women

single constituencies that were there before With no funds to devolution. This has left the women county representatives without any resources through have made history support development, which they can meet the election pledges they By Hellen Kivaya made to the electorate. good enough for household chores to an era county women where women hold the top most job of the Ghati notes that they are facing double country. discrimination. “The Constitution recognises frica has seen a rise in the number of The rise of female leaders in Africa is a hugely representatives walking women county representatives as MPs, yet women leadership position in recent positive statement of the direction Africa is headed when it comes to funding, it is the single years. The continent has evolved from to. Some of the women who have risen to the top the tight rope, writes constituency MP who finds funds ready and aA place where women were only seen as only include: the women representatives have nothing.” Jane Godia She reiterates: “As a County Member of he reintroduction of multiparty politics in Parliament, I have eight constituencies and 1991 significantly changed the political 40 wards in Migori, while a single constituency situation in the country. It expanded MP has only four wards, and in some cases spaceT to accommodate various interest groups, seven at the most.” and women soon became vocal pressure Ghati poses: “How are people going groups lobbying for gender equity and social to benchmark and evaluate women’s President Catherine Samba Aminata Toure justice, especially in political representation. representatives’ work when we have less than Panza The increased number of political parties opened four years to go?” Aminata was born October, 12 1962. more possibilities for participation by women. Catherine Samba-Panza is the interim She became Prime Minister of Senegal According to Emanikor, there is no value from September 1, 2013. She is the However, although women registered alongside men women are adding if men are going to use president of the Central African Republic in the emerging parties, they were conspicuously and she is the first woman to hold the second female prime minister of their numbers to fight against women because Senegal after Mame Madior Boye. missing from the top party leadership. They also everything is subjected to voting. position. failed to capture the various political constituency Born on June 26th, 1954 in Fort Lamy, Dubbed the iron lady for her tough seats. In 1992, 19 women were nominated by “Uwezo Fund was fought for by women County stance on corruption, Toure served as Members of Parliament, yet the men fought French Equatorial Africa, prior to political parties to contest the elections but only six becoming president, Samba-Panza Justice Minister from 2012-2013 until won and one was nominated. and voted for it to go to single constituencies,” her appointment as prime minister. Emanikor explains. served as the mayor of Bangui, capital It was through the women’s movement that city of Central African Republic. She Toure has worked with the United efforts were consciously made towards ensuring She adds: “The President failed to give a was sworn in as interim president on Nations population Fund. At the and enhancing the participation of women in the proper directive on Uwezo Fund. He should January 23, 2014. UNFPA, Toure was chief of the Gender electoral process. Through these efforts, the have directed that as Jubilee, the, members Human Rights and Culture. She has in the august House needed to support the Samba Panza has worked both in the affirmative action was entrenched in the Constitution insurance field and as a corporate also worked with women rights in her of Kenya that was promulgated in Kenya on August fund to be managed by the women County previous position. Representatives.” lawyer. She was active in women’s 28, 2010. One of the key gains was the increased rights movement campaigning against number of women to the National Assembly. This This is echoed by Ghati who notes: “The Parliament in session. PICTURE: FILE female genital mutilation. was brought about by Article 97 (1) (b) which Government had promised to give Uwezo President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Africa at Monrovia. She holds a states that the “National Assembly consists of 47 Fund to women representatives but nothing is Ellen Johnson is the President of Liberia in her Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Madison women, each elected by the registered voters of women caucus to support the female members forthcoming. The President and Government second term in office. She was inaugurated in Business College, Wisconsin. She also has the counties, each county constituting a single of parliament deliver what was envisioned as the needs to be serious about women. They must 2006 and became the world’s first elected black a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the hile Africa boasts of these women, Latin America records the University of Colorado and a Masters of Public member constituency”. benefit of their presence on the august House commit to women representatives.” President and Africa’s first elected female head highest number of female heads of state. Some of the female Administration from Harvard University. corridors,” notes Nyaundi. of state. presidents in Latin America are; Impact This is echoed by Joyce Emanikor, Turkana County Commitment Born in October 29, 1938 in Monrovia, Liberia, Since she took over leadership, peace has been W• Michelle Bachelet — Chile Member of Parliament who observes that numbers restored in Liberia and the country’s economy Today there are about 86 women in the National According to Ghati, women County Members a military coup in Liberia forced Sirleaf into exile • Dilma Vana Rousseff — Brazil are adding value as women are now visible and has greatly improved to the extent that they are Assembly and Senate following the March 4, of Parliament are working on a shoe string in 1980. able to talk when they can. debt free. • Laura Chinchilla — Costa Rica 2013 General Election. These numbers look great budget that comes from their salaries to A mother of four sons and six grandchildren, and are indeed an achievement not only to the meet the people’s needs. She says there is a Sirleaf is a graduate of the college of West • Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner — Argentina womenfolk, but the country at large. Intervention rethinking and serious commitment needed on • Mireya Moscoso — Panama (1999-2004) However, the big question is whether the numbers Wamaitha argues that all these interventions the part of the government. • Rosalia Arteaga — Interim President of Ecuador (1997) are adding any value, one year after the General entrenched in the Constitution of Kenya 2010 have “We need money because we know that a Election? resulted to an increase in the number of women in woman with any small amount of money • Violeta Chamorro — Nicaragua (1990-1997) According to Millicent Wamaitha, Acting Program leadership positions and a higher representation of can do wonders. Money can make a woman President Joyce Banda. • Lidia Gueiler Tejada — Interim president of Bolivia. (1979-1980) Coordinator Foundation for Women’s Rights in women in diverse decision making platforms. powerful and I think this is the fear that most Joyce Hilda Banda was born on April 12, 1950 in Malemia, Malawi. She • Isabel Peron —Argentina (1974-1976). She was also the first woman Kenya there is tangible value addition with the men are having,” Ghati observes. She notes that the gains as entrenched in the became Africa’s second female president and Malawi’s first female but president in Latin America. high number of women in the National Assembly, The Constitution recognises Constitution of Kenya 2010 have not only given The Women County Members of Parliament forth president. Senate and county assemblies. women county representatives women of Kenya a voice but have also given them have pushed for another bill through which Since the 1970s, eight of the 29 women elected as presidents in the world Banda took office on April 7, 2012 following the sudden death of President have come from Latin America or the Caribbean. “First and foremost with the many women leaders, as MPs, yet when it comes assurance that they are equal to men in the eyes they hope to get funds for activities. They have Bingu Wa Mutharika. there is greater and wider representation of women’s of the Kenyan law. worked on the Social Development Fund Bill America has the world’s highest regional average of women in the lower Banda holds a certificate from Cambridge School and a Bachelor of Arts issues in the houses. Generally most of the women to funding, it is the single which they hope parliament will approve. houses on congress. It’s about 20 per cent. “This confidence is pushing women to increasingly degree in Early Childhood Education from Columbus University. She has a leaders are more approachable by members of the constituency MP who finds participate in making decisions on issues pertaining According to Emanikor, they had hoped to be Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies from Atlantic International University A series of quota laws in certain countries have guaranteed that, women at public as such the real gender issues are clearly to their families, communities, county and national given 1.5 per cent of the national budget, but USA and a Diploma in Management of Non-Governmental Organisations least at the national level, will be in the running for political positions. known to them,” says Wamaitha. funds ready and the women governance processes,” she says. this was slashed by the committee in charge of from International Labour Organisation Centre in Turin, Italy. Argentina was the first country to put in place the quotas when in the early She adds: “The women leaders are pushing gender legislation to 0.5 per cent. “We are hoping the representatives have However, the women in parliament are constrained Banda’s success has inspired her to help other women achieve financial 1990s it established a law mandating that 30 per cent of the legislative issues faster and referring them to the relevant MPs will support this,” she says. nothing by numbers and resources. The society is yet to independence and break the cycles of abuse of poverty. candidates be female. Bolivia, Costa Rica and Ecuador soon followed with authorities for address.” acknowledge women’s leadership rights or abilities. The Social Development Fund seeks to support laws indicating that every other candidate on a political party’s election list This is a challenge that women in the August House She is the founder of the Joyce Banda Foundation which seeks to provide denita ghati, migori areas where the women representatives say must be a woman. are facing and especially when men feel that they have not been catered for by the CDF. better education for Malawian children and orphans. Achievements county women rep. Leadership is a skill that can be learnt by women if they know where to look. do not need to get any resources. She is the founder of the National Association of Business Women in This is echoed by Dennitah Ghati, Migori County The women representatives made a conscious Women should start early, set goals you identify with and network. Women Malawi that was established in 1990 with the main objective of lifting Member of Parliament, who notes that progress decision to take up areas not catered for. They should always have clear plans and course to follow for them to make it women out of poverty by strengthening their capacity and empowering has been made to recognise that women can do Secretary, Kenya National Commission on Human Constraints are looking into projects that will support the through. Reaching out to people to know your ideas is quite important to boost them economically. something. Rights who says that numbers in the august House While the Constitution recognises the women vulnerable groups. yourself. are important. Banda is considered a champion of women, children and Ghati notes: “To realise one third of commitment county representatives as single constituencies, According to Mishi Juma, Mombasa County “Do not be afraid to denounce injustice, though you may be outnumbered. Do underprivileged. She was hailed as one of Africa’s most powerful to women was a good start having come through “We cannot slight numbers. The achievement of other institutions like the Constituency Development Member of Parliament, the Social Development not be afraid to seek peace, even if your voice may be small. Do not be afraid women by Forbes magazine. affirmative action.” these numbers is something we must build on as Fund do not recognise these constituencies held Fund bill “will cater for social issues like to demand peace,” Sirleaf once said to encourage women. we plan ahead. There needs to be a push by the by women as legitimate to deserve a fund. The disability, drugs, youth, and women. Her sentiments are echoed by Patricia Nyaundi, CDF is still operating under the auspices of the Kenyan Woman INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Kenyan Woman 10 MARCH 8, 2014 MARCH 8, 2014 11

By Gilbert Ochieng Omolo. to property ownership, land rights and gender The women leaders have also encouraged inequalities. Women make up nearly 50 per cent of those in their areas to register with the National all owners of micro and small enterprises (SMEs) No relenting in the omen who were nominated to Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) so that they can and 40 percent of smallholder farm managers, but the Busia County Assembly have comfortably cater for their medical bills. Road to gender equality access less than 10 per cent of available credit unanimously agreed in one accord Omolo, who is also the chairperson of Poverty and less than one percent of agricultural credit. toW utilise every opportunity to push for Eradication for Development Organisation fight to empower introduction and enactment of a law that will (PEDO) says there is urgent need to fight the high Access effectively deal with violence against women. level poverty being experienced in Busia which According to Rachael Omolo, they have managed riddled with hurdles The report also notes that women do not have currently standards at 68 per cent. to come together and put in place what they access to business information and opportunities women in Busia referred to as “Women Caucus” whose main She says stakeholders from all sectors of the to fully benefit from international trade since most objective is to enlighten and encourage women County’s economy should allocate resources that businesses are small and informal. Registration will be utilised to empower women economically of small companies is still costly, rigid, and based at all levels to come out and vie for various leadership positions. considering the pivotal role they play in society. only in major urban areas such as Nairobi and therefore discouraging to women. However, men “The women of Busia County need capacity “The major purpose behind the formation of and women’s equal participation and engagement building and training in functional areas such the women caucus is to carry out a marathon is paramount for this to be achieved. sensitization forums at the grassroots level as finance, literacy, marketing, production and through churches and chiefs’ barazas so that our managerial skills among others,” says Omolo. There is no boundary for gender equality. It is fellow women can be able to shed off the age- She adds: “A mind shift among spouses should equality in every respect, economically, socially old traditional belief that a woman’s place is in the also be encouraged so as to give full support and politically. For Kenya to achieve gender kitchen,” explains Omolo. besides embracing the changing role of women equality it should spread across the board and not in homes.” be limited to politics. She says they have also served the Speaker of Busia County Assembly with a memo asking to Omolo notes that access to credit by women The report notes that the low participation of be provided with an office within the assembly as entrepreneurs at the level of micro and small-scale women in productive employment activities in well as a customer care desks in respective ward enterprises should be facilitated through innovative major sectors in Kenya can be attributed to offices where matters pertaining to women can be programmes and financing arrangements that go factors that curtail women’s mobility in the labour effectively addressed. beyond the conventional approach which require market due the constraining nature of occupations collateral and capital among other conditions. where domestic responsibilities cannot be easily combined with economic activity. “The public sector and formal financial organisations should be sensitised on the value A mind shift among of gender balanced participation in the informal Challenges sector enterprises,” explains Omolo. She adds: Another constraining factor could be limited access spouses should also be “A major goal should be to promote the social to required skills especially during the undertaking encouraged so as to give full and economic empowerment of women as they of education and training programmes. Cultural constitute a vulnerable social category that is stereotypes about women’s aptitudes, skills and support besides embracing the critical in sustainable development endeavours,” dispositions, and reproductive responsibilities Women she says. could also work to hinder women’s participation in changing role of women in parliamentarians some production sectors. homes. Achievements in deep consultations According to Millicent Wamaitha, acting Rachael Omolo, a nominated member of The women county assembly members have Programme Coordinator Foundation for Women’s the Busia County Assembly after a meeting. managed to remain focused on what needs to be Women in Rights fighting for political survival is a reality in addressed in Busia. They are already planning the National the political field noting that Kenyan politicians on peace building activities for women in and out Assembly are have perfected the art of political survival, and this of the County assembly. also affects the fight for gender equality. not in decision Groups “As legislators we will come up with a motion aimed making bodies. “Once a leader is elected or appointed to a The female county assembly members want at bettering the living standards of women in Busia leadership position they begin strategizing on women to benefit from the KSh10 million allocated County and once we register our association we PICTURE: how they can protect their positions ‘like it is their by the Busia County Government to each ward to shall work with partners and donors to facilitate KENYAN WOMAN heritage’,” she states. most of our activities,” she says. cater for development activities. CORRESPONDENT Wamaitha notes un-principled leaders often gang “I have managed to organise a fundraiser The women members of Busia County Assembly up to vote out legislation seeking to entrench for various women’s groups assisted by my have already identified viable income generating By Jane Godia women’s pivotal role in the development process political level, representation must be made at all gender equity at policy levels. “The leaders counterparts to enable them engage in various projects that would help improve on the living and have these reflected in national goals and decision making levels.” engage in such acts to gain acceptance with income generating interventions that would standards of women. ust a year short of the deadline set for priorities. fellow leaders and members of the public who are The 2014 Kenya report on Millennium opposed gender equality,” she reiterates. help improve on their standards of living,” says However, they are faced with several challenges achieving the Millennium Development Goals, reports indicate that all is not well. Empowering women is also an indispensable tool Development Goals indicates that there has among them going into the Assembly late following for advancing development and reducing poverty. been an increased number of girls being enrolled “Other leaders particularly men continue to the prolonged court cases in various political JOne of the goals to be attained through the corrupt their way to leadership positions through Rachael Omolo, a nominated member of the Busia Empowered women contribute to the health and at the first stages of education. The numbers parties. By the time they were sworn in, all key Millennium Development Goals was to promote voter bribery. This results to elimination of many County Assembly. She has been very vocal in the productivity of whole families and communities and indicate that in 2011, there were 1,194,518 girls positions had already been filled up. gender equality and empower women. qualified women contestants due to corrupt formation of the Women Caucus in the county to improved prospects for the next generation. compared to boys at 1,175,000 boys at early Gender equality refers to the equal rights, childhood centres. However, at the primary school leaders who are only seeking political survival,” which seeks to enlighten and encourage women at Out of 35 wards in Busia County, only Bukhayo The target towards achieving gender equality and responsibilities and opportunities of women and level things changed and there were more boys Wamaitha observes. all levels to come out and vie for various leadership West ward elected a woman who was given chair empowering women is in ensuring that gender men and girls and boys. Equality does not mean (4,979,700) than girls (4,880,200). There are 86 positions. PICTURE: FILE in one of the committees. discrimination in education is eliminated and that that women and men will become the same but girls for every 100 boys enrolled while tertiary there is an increased number of women in non- Resources that women’s and men’s rights, responsibilities and college education stand at 94 girls for every agricultural employment. She adds: “Realistically most women embrace and opportunities will not depend on whether they 100 boys. This trend declines as they progress to honesty and do not even have finances to fund are born male or female. According to Patricia Nyaundi, Commission institutions of higher learning such as university their campaigns let alone bribe voters. There Secretary Kenya National Commission on Human level with fewer girls compared to boys. The report Gender equality implies that the interests, needs is hence need for the relevant authorities to put Rights, “gender equality refers to equal treatment notes that a key challenge is girls’ low enrolment Latest scorecard of women’s performance and priorities of both women and men are taken stringent measures to curb this malpractice which and recognition of all gender in all spheres of life. in science, technology and mathematics, which into consideration, recognising the diversity of could surely kill the fight for gender equality in It is an acknowledgement of the inherent value of then constrain their uptake of non-agricultural By Odhiambo Orlale Women County representative Rachel Shebesh the proceedings of the august House while the two seats were reserved for the youth and also different groups of women and men. Kenya particularly in securing leadership positions all individuals and Kenya has progressed well in employment in science and technical areas. and Priscilla Nyokabi Kinyua (Nyeri), Florence motions’ tracker provides an overview of the for people with disabilities. There are 18 women which is viewed by many as men’s domain.” he performance of women legislators in terms of legal recognition of this. Kajuju (Meru) and Grace Nyasuna Wanga (Homa current status of all motions before Parliament. who were nominated to the Senate. These are the subjects that can enable women the first session of the 11th Parliament Development However, Wamaitha argues for so long Bay) as well as Nominated MP Amina Abdallah. Nyaundi states: “We have a robust constitution take up wage employment in areas that are non- as far as moving motions is concerned Half of the committees in the Senate are chaired participation and representation of women in Others were Kitui South MP Rachel Nyamai; Members by women namely Zipporah Kittony (Health, Gender equality is not a women’s issue but should that has as one of its pillars the promotion of agricultural. isT nothing to shout home about. concern and fully engage men as well as women. leadership and decision making platforms in County Women’s Representatives Sabina Chege Labour and Social Welfare); Dulo Fatuma Aden gender equality and a commitment to improve the According to the Hansard and the official motion Parliament has 349 MPs, 290 were elected in According to the Kenya Economic Survey 2013, Kenya has been feeble, the entrenchment of (Muranga), Joyce Emanikor (Turkana), Mishi (National Security and Foreign Affairs; Judith Equality between women and men is seen both status of women. There are sector specific gains tracker of the National Assembly, only 19 women constituencies and 47 women were elected in between 2011-2012, the key sectors driving the affirmative action on gender equity spelled out in Juma (Mombasa) Halima Ware Duri (Tana River) Sijeny (Delegated Legislation); Daisy Kanainza as a human rights issue and as a precondition like the increased enrolment of girls in schools.” MPs moved a motion or seconded one by their the counties while 12 were nominated by political economy are agriculture and forestry; wholesale Article 27(8) increased the chances for women to and Susan Musyoka (Machakos). There is also (Implementation); Martha Wangari (Devolved for, and indicator of, sustainable people-centred male colleagues last year from a list of 145. parties. development. and retail trade; transport and communication; participate more in decision making position in the Sarah Paulata Korero who is a nominated MP. Government) and Adille Halima Mohamud Representation manufacturing and construction. These are country . In the Senate, there are 67 members, 47 of them The 19 were led by Deputy Speaker Joyce (Education, Information and Technology). Empowering women, on the other hand, means areas where women are largely unrepresented The Hansard is the official verbatim report of were elected, 16 women were nominated and She adds: “However, to ensure that we fully attain The article states that: “The Laboso, who doubles as the Sotik MP, Nairobi increased appreciation for and understanding of due to myriad challenges including those related page 12>> these deliberate steps as has been made at state shall take legislative and Kenyan Woman INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Kenyan Woman 12 MARCH 8, 2014 MARCH 8, 2014 13 Road to gender equality inadequate recognition of the Deputy Governor’s office. This has forced me to work twice as hard riddled with hurdles to ensure visibility of my office and influence over decisions in significant political matters. <

Mary Barra Njeri Rionge Bringing women ary T. Barra has been jeri Rionge is the co-founder of the the Chief Executive internet service provider Wananchi Officer of General Online that has since been transformed MMotors Company since January intoN Wananchi Group Holdings. to the top makes 15, 2014. It is one of East Africa’s leading providers of pay- Barra served as Executive Vice TV, broadband internet and VoIP services. In 2011, President of Global Product the company raised $57.5 million (KSH48.87 billion) in Development and Global growth capital from a group of international investors. Purchasing and Supply Chain at A typical serial entrepreneur, Rionge has over the economic sense General Motors Company from ite s years founded a number of successful companies. She By Hellen Kivaya Chairperson of Gina Din Corporate August 2013 to January 15, 2014. eb currently runs Ignite Consulting, a firm that engages w She served as Senior Vice in coaching, strategy facilitation, organisational ue to the patriarchal tradition in African, Communications (GDCC). PMS f

President of Global Product o effectiveness and skills training. women have been at the periphery of • Elizabeth Njeri — Head of Legal, Development at General Motors sy leadership and decision making. Rionge once said in an interview with Google, Sub-Saharan Africa. rte

Company since February 1, 2011 u The fight for women to be included at the decision o Forbes Magazine: “I create companies D c • Angela Mwirigi — Director, Marketing and served as its Chief of Product serially because I believe that Africa is making table has come a long, and 50 years since Development. and Communications, Kenya hoto the next economic frontier and we must independence Kenya is still struggling to ensure p women are in decision making positions. Commercial Bank. She served as Vice President build indigenous organisations that will of Global Human Resources at support this growth.” However, with efforts from the women’s movement • Agatha Gikunda — Head of General Motors Company from Business Lounge, another of ite calling for gender equality in all levels of decision Applications, Services and Developer July 30, 2009 to February 1, 2011. s Rionge’s ventures, is helping eb making, more women are now ascending to Ecosystems, Nokia East Africa. w positions of leadership and decision-making. Barra served as an Executive other entrepreneurs build

• Suzanne Kilolo — Investor Relations Director of Vehicle Manufacturing successful businesses. The ionge The law now compels appointing bodies to abide Manager, Safaricom. Engineering of General Motors Lounge acts as a business R by the two thirds gender rule as outlined in Article Corporation (now Motors incubator for start-up jeri f N 232 (1) (i) which calls for values and principles • Agnes Wahito — Supply Planning and Liquidation Company) until July companies and as a business o in public service to “affording adequate and Inbound Logistics Manager, Unilever 2009. club for more established firms sy rte equal opportunities for appointment, training and u East and Southern Africa. Joanne Mwangi and individuals. Rionge is also a o

She served as Vice President of c advancement at all levels of public service of men motivational speaker and life coach. and women; members of all ethnic groups; and • Maggie Ireri — Managing Director, Global Manufacturing Engineering oanne Mwangi is the founder and chief executive officer of hoto persons with disabilities”. IPSOS Synovate. at Motors Liquidation Company Professional Marketing Services Group p from February 1, 2008 to July A study conducted by the Grant Thornton • Esther Kagiri — Managing Director, 2009. Sixteen years ago, Mwangi founded Professional Marketing Services, International in 2008 reveals that women still hold Globe Track International. aJ group that currently has five subsidiaries and a presence across the East less than a quarter of the senior management She began her career with General African region. Eva Muraya positions in privately held businesses globally. • Lois Akoth — Head of Legal Affairs, NJOROGE TABITHA Motors in 1980 as a General Motors Telkom Kenya. Institute (Kettering University) co- Mwangi has steered the Professional Marketing Services Group from a va Muraya is the founder and chief executive officer of Brand This translates to 24 per cent of senior management op student at the Pontiac Motor small agency to a leading marketing group providing a full range of agency Strategy and Design, a regional brand strategy development positions, a figure that is identical to 2007 with a • Sophia Mukoba — Financial Controller, Division. She has been Director services, including advertising, public relations, event management, trade agency. marginal improvement from 2004 when only 19 British American Tobacco East Africa. Tabitha Karanja promotions, consumer promotions, trade merchandising and marketing of General Dynamics Corporation EMuraya’s entry into the business world came only after a great personal per cent of senior level positions were held by since March 15, 2011. strategy development. abitha Karanja is the founder and chief executive officers Keroche Breweries. tragedy, the loss of her husband. women. Over the years, Professional Marketing Services has grown in size and its This list shows how women have risen to top Karanja founded Keroche Breweries, the first ever brewery to be owned by a She was named one of Automotive Muraya started Colour Creations Africa Limited, a branded merchandise clients include Reckitt Benckiser, Prigat, Airbus and East African Breweries leadership positions in boardrooms. Women now Kenyan. Some of the challenges that Karanja has faced include; competition from News 100 Leading Women in the company. Until recently she was still the chief executive officer at Colour Study (EABL). hold top positions and show good governance multinationals,T high taxation and meddling from high powered government officials. North American Auto Industry in Creations. A similar study by the Business Women’s 2005, and 2010. In 2010 Professional Marketing Services was voted number one in the Top and decision making at their work. Karanja has shown good resilience that has seen the business grow into a respected Muraya has had various success stories and awards including the premier Association in South Africa found out that since 100 Small Micro Enterprise competition in Kenya. Although talents are distributed evenly among company. In 2010, she also earned Kettering Goldman Sachs Fortune Global Leaders Award. She was also nominated 2005 there has been a steady increase in the Alumni Association’s Management men and women, male dominance in company Beyond the expectations of her detractors, Karanja invested in a KSh1 billion ($11.6 million) Mwangi also won the Lady Entrepreneur of the Year award at the same to receive The International Alliance for Women (TIAW) World of Difference number of women serving as directors from 10.7 Achievement Award for her boards leads to underutilisation of women’s skills. plant with the capacity of producing 6,000 half-litre bottles per hour. competition sponsored by the Nation Media Group and KPMG. 100 Award. percent to 11.5 per cent. specific contributions with positive In 2009 she beat women entrepreneurs from 75 countries worldwide to In addition, Muraya is an alumnus of the Legatum Pioneers of Prosperity and Other studies have shown that the environment With its flagship brands, Summit Lager and Summit Malt, the brewery has proven resilience in and lasting effects in the field of Benefits emerge as the winner of the Organisation of Women in International Trade her business Colour Creations was a top finalist in the 2006 Africa Business for women in senior roles improves when a third the market. management. (OWIT) Woman of the Year award. Awards. There are organisational advantages in integrating of leaders at that level are female. It also indicates “When Keroche commenced operations fingers were pointed at us and the rumours of they- Barra has been known to drive women in leadership since “we share differences Mwangi is also the chairperson of the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs that when a critical mass of 30 per cent or more cannot-do-it was written on the faces of many who never believed a Kenyan company could some of her company’s more racy An advocate of the economic empowerment of women, Muraya co-founded in attitudes, interests and experiences”. The Associations, an organisation that seeks to create an enabling business are women at board level or in senior management penetrate a grid-tight multinational market where the end justified the means even if the means models during weekends at the the Kenya Association of Women Business Owners. presence of women in boards can help enrich environment for women. organisations produce the best financial results. is not justifiable,” says Karanja. track. She is also a chairperson to the board of the Zawadi Africa Educational board discussions as new perspectives and ways Fund (Kenya), an organisation that provides scholarships for needy and An analysis by the Kenya Institute of Management of solving problems are brought on the table. This academically talented girls. (KIM) reveals that there are a total of 1,091 board affects the overall performance and profitability of seats for state corporations and 449 in listed an enterprise. Jyoti Mukherjee companies. Women account for only 20 per cent Gina Din Kariuki in state corporations and 12 per cent in listed Kenya should borrow a leaf from Rwanda, which yoti Mukherjee is the chief executive officer Software Technologies companies. has done much in ensuring gender parity. It has — Founder and Chairperson of Gina Din Corporate Communications Limited. been found that companies where gender parity is Together with her husband, Mukherjee opened a printing supplies shop This is despite the fact that women make up 50 applied are more influential in the economy. ina Din Kariuki started being an percent of the total Kenyan population. inJ Nairobi in the 1980s after moving to Kenya from India. entrepreneur at 15 years. Her parents For instance, Norway has made huge strides owned a hotel in Nanyuki and she needed to In 1991 she started Software Technologies Limited (STL), one of Africa’s ite

towards gender justice in corporate governance. s Success make pocket money. So, she started a disco night leading software distribution companies making hundreds of millions of G eb It is the first country to have introduced a quota Kenyan shillings in sales every year.

in the hotel. w d There are many success stories for women in system for women on company boards. The ite

corporate sector in Kenya. Some of them include: m system which was introduced in 2003 has helped Her biggest impact in the industry and the person Software Technologies Limited today can count over 150 corporations in i to increase the level of women representation to she grew most with professionally is Michael Joseph, East Africa as its clients, making Mukherjee one of the few women who have l ign 40 per cent with companies that failed to comply former chief executive officer at Safaricom. founded and run big technology firms in the region. s De • Tabitha Karanja — Chief Executive being sanctioned. Kariuki’s focus is on making her brand an African d Mukherjee has steered Software Technologies Limited from humble an Officer at Keroche industry. The Norwegian experience reveals that a quota brand. beginnings with just five employees to one of the largest software houses in y

is the key to successful implementation as it not ite eastern Africa with a presence in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Nigeria,

• Caroline Ndung’u — Marketing Director Her memorable moments include spearheading the s Ethiopia, India and the United Arab Emirates. Strateg only creates pressure for fundamental change in ‘Kenyans for Kenya’ campaign which was started in d

at East African Breweries Limited. Web

M appointments but it also triggers public debate on July 2011. The historic initiative was in response to In 2007 she was recognised as the Top ICT Businesswoman in Africa at the ran f G • Dorothy Ooko — Communications gender equality in the wider society. f B o famine and deaths from starving Kenyans in Turkana. African ICT Achievers Awards. o sy

Manager, East and Francophone sy Getting women in the boardroom is not just about Kenyans were mobilized to redound to the campaign.

rte Mukherjee also founded the Institute of Software Technologies (IST), a fully- Africa, Google. rte u better representation at the top, it is not just about Over KSh700 million was raised. Kariuki is also the Kenya u o fledged ICT training institute that provides education for IT professionals, o c Red Cross goodwill ambassador. c • Mary Barra — CEO, General Motors. bringing a more colourful and construct outlook developers and business analysts.

into the boardroom but it makes economic sense. hoto hoto p • Gina Din Kariuki — Founder and the photo courtesy of Gina Din website p Kenyan Woman INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Kenyan Woman 16 MARCH 8, 2014 MARCH 8, 2014 17

community as a minority tribe that has been marginalised for over 150 years Doors open as women come in Kenya. Women elders have been the custodians Women Enterprise Fund… of their culture and established a peaceful co-existence with other tribes aboard councils of elders that live within the sprawling Kibera slums where a majority of them are to committed to empowering women By Ruth Omukhango be found. “To empower a woman is to empower a partners who have supported its work. It is the women who carefully pass family and in effect the whole nation” is the ince time immemorial the culture from one generation to statement that defines Women Enterprise Achievements traditional council of elders the other. Since the formation of the Fund. Vision 2030 has placed an emphasis have played an important role council, women have been involved in • Disbursement of Ksh 3.8 billion benefiting on women empowerment. The 1st and the 3rd inS maintaining peace and fostering decision making though in subtle ways over 800,000 women spread in the 290 as most of the elders understand the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on reconciliation among communities. constituencies. In effect, the Fund is value that they bring in every process poverty reduction, gender equality and women Notwithstanding the formal legal empowerment, that form a crucial platform promoting financial inclusion and equity in as caregivers and those that look after justice system, the councils of elders for the Vision 2030, champion the support of access to financial services to previously at the welfare of families. from different ethnic groups have in economic growth of women in order to realize marginalized women. been at the forefront of addressing “Women have been very useful in economic growth in the country. These MDGs • In the last 8 months a further Ksh 538.3M the council in articulating issues that champion the objectives of the Vision 2030 by pertinent issues that affect men has been disbursed to 80,175 women in and women in the community, affect the community and have been making fundamental changes in four areas; the constituencies. Women borrowers have in the forefront of all our activities and especially in the protection of rights invested loans in agriculture related activities, our religion does not bar them from • Opportunity of vulnerable groups. trade, services and telecommunication, participating in any activities,” says Issa • Empowerment sectors thereby creating decent jobs for Despite being custodians of culture, the Abdulfaraj, Chairman of the Nubian • Capabilities ,and themselves and other Kenyans. structure of officials within the council of Council of Elders. elders has majorly remained patriarchal • Vulnerabilities. • We commend the Kenyan women for their even though most of the issues tackled Like the Luo Council of Elders, most of integrity and faithfulness in serving their loans by the elders have a direct effect on the the Nubian elders are selected based Statistics recording a national average repayment of lives of women and children. In fact in on their repute and respect that they 92%. They have proved that one does not most of the communities, the council command in the community. Kenya National Bureau of Statistics places the need physical collateral in order to service of elders retain the final word which is According to Abulfaraj, many times the population of women at over 50% within 290 a loan, a very useful lesson to traditional respected by the society. Nubian community is misunderstood by constituencies in Kenya. Out of this statistic banks and other lenders. the women in employment or in business However, with the changing times other communities but the community The Women Entreprise Fund (WEF) chairperson Ann Mutahi during the official opening of eco toilets • The Fund in collaboration with the Ministry of stand at only 12%. It is with this in mind that most communities have been forced has clearly defined roles for men and donated to Kiukini Primary in Kitui. PHOTO: FILE Cooperatives has facilitated the registration the government of Kenya saw it fit to financially to embrace women in the decision women. of 46 women owned and managed Saccos empower women. This led to the launch of the making structures and hence benefited “We have on many occasions given spread throughout the country. The Fund is Women Enterprise Fund in the year 2007 in much in terms of service delivery and women an opportunity to speak investing in this initiative to enable women order to cater to the women in Kenya and ensure impacting of the many lives in society and articulate issues themselves on formalize the ‘chamas’ to legal entities Despite the fact that most councils Members of the Nubian Community of Elders has brought a shift in that they are accorded financial empowerment. whose majority are women. pertinent issues that affect them” says that are owned and controlled by them as have been constituted to serve different Council of Elders. Three women sit on perceptions and beliefs among the Abulfaraj. Women Enterprise Fund lends to groups and a guarantee to long term sustainability of “No matter how elite people are today, interests according to the needs of the administrative committee out of the male elders especially in the area of individuals (with emphasis to the groups). women empowerment agenda. many people are still locked up in the communities, the qualification for ten members who form the council. discrimination against women.” Asiyo Women in Kenya are finding that there’s strength traditional cocoons in both private and becoming a member of the council of PHOTO: FILE adds: “There is a change with regards Successes • During the first half of the 2013/2014 in numbers: if they pool their resources together public life and women have helped the elders for both men and women is that to retrogressive practices that impact financial year 29,624 women were Among their successes as a council in self-help groups of their own creation, they council of elders to have wider lenses one has to have attained the age of 50 negatively on the lives of widows and trained in entrepreneurship in all the 290 especially with women’s contribution is can radically change their lives and the lives of on gender issues that would have been years. orphans such as the right to land and constituencies the push for the rights of citizenry as their families and communities. Kenya National ignored if men were sitting alone on the property ownership.” Since elders are considered to be full minority. Further, the Nubian children Bureau of Statistics places the statistic of • To support the commitment to promote table,” says Dorothy Awino, a member of wisdom, the councils do not conduct Asiyo says: “Although the Luo Council can now access education, health registered self-help groups formed by women in women’s participation in public procurement, of the Supreme Council of Luo Elders. democratic elections. The officials are of Elders has also had women as services and women’s empowerment. Kenya at an average of 3000+ per constituency. the Fund will be rolling issuance of bid/ According to a publication on accessing handpicked based on their remarkable members in their council, more women This could mean that there is an increase in security bonds later this month. This will “In fact it is the women who participated justice and protecting the rights of the contribution and reputations in society. have not been enlightened and a lot the number of women using the self-help group be on a pilot basis for the Nairobi region. A actively in the establishment of a cultural vulnerable through cultural structures This, therefore, explains the calibre of has changed since women rose to the mechanism to access funds in Kenya. This good percentage of the goods and services institute that has enhanced their culture published by the Kenya Legal and women that sit on the decision making positions of decision making and much mechanism has made it possible for financial bought by the Fund are from women and traditions,” says Abulfaraj. Ethical Issues Network on HIV and table. has been done to restore widows back services to be availed to more Kenyans through Members of WEF meet with Sisterhood Blind Women Group. PHOTO: FILE • The Fund has also not been devoid of CSR AIDS, often than not, the power of to their homes after they were chased According to Khadija Doka, a member the Savings and co-guarantee mechanisms For a woman elder to be nominated to including capacity building and facilitation of the vision supported by this mission is “to socially activities some of which are: the invisible little aspects of culture away following the death of their of the Nubian Council of Elders and a that are the operating mantra within the groups. determines a woman’s standing in her the Council of Elders, several factors founder member of the Kibera Women access to business linkages among others. The and economically empower Kenyan women 1. The Completion of the Kiukuni Eco Pit latrines husbands.” Indeed majority of the funds that are lent by community and the need for issues to be have to be considered including her for Peace and Fairness, the women Fund was established through a Gazette Notice entrepreneurs for economic development” on 13th February 2014 in the Eastern Region Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) are targeted to addressed from a gender perspective. reputation in the community. She She adds: “The women sitting in the have played their role in working with and assigned five mandates, namely: valued at Kshs. 300,000 the self-help groups. WEF has two channels of The Fund therefore performs to ensure that has to have charisma, be revered by council have supported families and had the elders in addressing issues of lending 1. Provision of affordable and accessible credit women throughout the country are empowered 2. Issuance of textbooks valued at Kshs. many people and must have a good consultations with male family members violence and insecurity in Kibera and as Numbers understanding about the culture. to understand issues of inheritance and 1. Lending through financial intermediaries. to women for enterprise development. financially and are undertaking businesses that 279,700 to Hon Khalif Girls Primary School a result the rate of crime has reduced are stable and that contribute to their economic However, most importantly in her own to support their families.” This is done through banks, MFIs, Women 2. Capacity building of women beneficiaries on 27th November 2013 in the North Eastern According to Awino, who served in drastically. status and thus the country’s economy as a way she must have made substantial owned companies and SACCOS where and their institutions. Region the Luo Council of Elders first as According to Asiyo, remarkable efforts contributions to development of the “Crime rate in Kibera is relatively low as funds are allocated to these institutions at an whole. a volunteer, the number of women in various parts of Nyanza have been 3. promotion of local and international • The Fund has been in the forefront of society. compared to other urban slums in the interest rate of 1% for on-lending to women In the past half year the Fund has achieved in the Council has been increasing entirely the work of women sitting in marketing. ensuring that women benefit from training gradually and this has brought sanity city. This has greatly been associated beneficiaries at 8% pa on reducing balance major milestones in terms of empowering in collaboration with institutions of higher There is a change Council of Elders. with the Council of Women Elders who 4. promotion of linkages between micro, small to the Council as members are able to Contribution 2. Lending through constituency women women in order to raise their economic status. learning within Kenya. This includes a “For example, women elders in emphasise on the need to embrace and medium enterprises owned by women objectively make decisions on issues with regards to enterprise scheme (CWES) channel. This is As we press on with the rest of the year we business incubation program with JKUAT According to Phoebe Asiyo, who sits Nyakach have been able to rebuild culture which is live and let live,” says with larger enterprises. that affect the community. direct lending facilitated by constituency loan take this opportunity to share with Kenyans - Juja Campus and a training program in the Supreme Luo Council of Elders, retrogressive practices houses for widows whose homes had Yusuf Ibrahim, Secretary General of committees to self-help groups at ZERO 5. Facilitate and support investments in our achievements and challenges in the past facilitated by the University of Nairobi on Until 2006, the Luo Supreme Council of one of the reasons why she became that impact negatively been demolished because they refused the Nubian Council of Elders. half year. We welcome members of the public poultry and green house farming. Elders had only one woman against 16 interest with a one off 5% processing fee. infrastructure that support women enterprises an elder was the immense contribution to be inherited.” Despite the successes in influencing e.g. markets or business incubators e.t.c. to scrutinize our work and point out areas that men but today out of the 20 members, she made to the community through on the lives of widows The Fund has thus been in the forefront to We urge women in Kenya who have not borrowed Further, through support from donors, the council of elders, Asiyo feels there need improvement. seven women sit on the executive empowering widows and orphans as execute the mandates of Vision 2030 through The Fund’s mission is “to mobilize resources and our interest free loans to borrow funds to create and orphans such they have empowered vulnerable girls is still need for more to be done in council. well as her exemplary work during her facilitating access to finance and other business offer access to affordable credit and business The Fund thanks the Government for its financial wealth for themselves and their families in their communities by providing them order to change mind-sets as some of tenure as a member of parliament. as the right to land development services to women entrepreneurs, support services to women entrepreneurs” and support over the years, as well as various Efforts have also been made to ensure with bicycles to ride to school and the elders tend to stick to the traditional that at the district level; at least one She was also readily accepted by the and property protect them from insecurity. way of thinking and are adamant about woman sits in the committees. WOMEN ENTERPRISE FUND SOCIAL SECURITY HOUSE, BLOCK A, P.O. BOX 17126 - 00100 NAIROBI, community as her own father was a ownership. change. Equally, in the Nubian Council of Ker, which is the highest position in the Custodians With the increase in the number of TEL: 0714606845/6 | WEBSITE: WWW.WEF.CO.KE Elders, there are three women sitting council of elders. Phoebe Asiyo, member the women in leadership, Asiyo hopes that In the slums of Kibera, Nubian Council on the administrative committee out of She confides: “The involvement of Supreme Luo Council of the council of elders will remain alive PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT of Elders was officially formed in 2001 seven men. women in decision making processes Elders to changes including the Constitution to to address the interests of the Nubian within the structure of the Luo council see more women come on board. Kenyan Woman INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Kenyan Woman 18 MARCH 8, 2014 MARCH 8, 2014 19

Figures According to statistics by Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kenya only five per cent of the How culture has land in Kenya is owned by women. According to Odenda Lumumba, coordinator defined women’s Kenya Land Alliance National “since women’s interests are largely not recorded on title deeds, Agnes Ndetei, the land on which they have customary user rights the head of the and on which they may depend for livelihoods relationship with land National Drought can be disposed off without their knowledge or Management consent”. By Carolyne Oyugi Dean of the school of Law, University Authority Board. Lumumba notes that married women are unable of Nairobi, value for law in the She believes that to exercise any control over the transfer, sale, or realization of land rights is so hyped. the only way out subdivision of matrimonial property. The large n Africa, women contribute “The Constitution and other Kenyan of drought and majority of women in Kenya leave their father’s about 80 per cent of farm labour laws have helped to boost women’s poverty is by land to go reside with their husband on property as well as make decisions that chance of inheriting land but we empowering the that he may have previously purchased or Iinvolve when, how and what to must look outside law,” says Kameri- Kenyan woman. inherited. plant. However, the cast changes Mbote. She adds: “We should not Lumumba urges Kenyans to work hard to and favours men when it comes to only look at land rights at national PHOTO: COURTESY ensure that women own land like their male financial gains. and local levels but also at domestic counterparts. According to Lumumba Odenda, levels.” National Coordinator Kenya Land A farmer tends The inability to establish an interest in this land that has subsequently become matrimonial Alliance women are not enjoying the Ownership to her crops at benefits of their labour. Wambugu farm. property leaves women landless and dependent Kameri-Mbote reiterates that land Agnes Ndetei Tradition has in on their husbands for stability. “In most Kenyan and even African rights are within the family. “In 1994 the past been rural areas women are sidelined we went out to different parts of the used to deny Report when it comes to important decisions country to find out why women want women their like selling and buying land,” Odenda to inherit land. At that time there were Is she Kenya’s solution to A report by United Nations Women, “Realizing says. not many cases in court. We were rights to inherit Women’s Right to Land and Other Productive amazed by the extent to which lack land from their Resources” highlights the urgent need to direct While addressing the monthly Gender of land ownership defined their ways families. women’s rights on land towards human based Forum organized by Heinrich Boll of life.” food insecurity? PHOTO: FILE perspective with stress on gender equality. Sifting, Lumumba blamed different cultures that perceived land as Kameri-Mbote emphasizes that The report argues that women’s right to land By Henry Kahara they will put their energies to production According to a research by Agency masculine. women do not need to inherit land are directly linked to global food security and to feed their children.” for Cooperation and Research in However, he noted that there is no after their spouses death instead Development (ACORD), if women can sustainable development. Many women in Kenya do not have the clear record of how much land is there should be clear division and have equal access to land and resources he burden of food insecurity right to own land due to discrimination Currently, the country is undergoing reforms on owned by women. “We do not have ownership of land right from their they can increase crop yields by between continues to weigh heavily on perpetuated by outdated cultural land laws, and the National Land Policy calls for fathers so that single mothers and 25 to 30 per cent and reduce levels of data in Africa on what women own or women. Over the years, women practices. Statistics by Federation of protection of women in matters related to land. The women who do not intend to get hunger by between 12 to 17 per cent. do not own. Different organizations haveT borne the tag of hunger and Women Lawyers in Kenya show that policy notes gross disparities in land ownership, married have a place to construct a and institutions have come up with famine with a significant percentage only five per cent of women own land in “I think this is the time for women to take gender and transgenerational discrimination in shelter and do some farming. New land laws, a reprieve some figures but it would be better if of them being affected, a factor that Kenya. responsibility and be involved in decision succession, transfer of land and the exclusion we had figures depicting the situation According to Belize Odemna, has led to them being characterised making even at the family level,” Ndetei of women in land decision making processes. It “The problem is that men who are much on the ground.” Programme Officer Litigation and Legal by poverty, and hence the concept proposes. favoured by culture when it comes to states that land productivity has been affected Services KELIN Kenya, women should feminization of poverty. land inheritance prefer to use the land to She urges women to ensure that the by disinheritance of women and vulnerable use locally available avenues to solve However, the Jubilee government, a for women to inherit land members of society and biased decisions by land Principles grow cash crops which are long term in right crop is planted in their farms. land issues. This, she says, reduces coalition of parties that won the last terms of income,” explains Ndetei. By Henry Kahara many cases the organisation is pursuing. Burugu urges civil society organisations to try and management and dispute resolution institutions. According to Odenda, it is the duty hostility from family members. General Election, are all out to ensure “For famine to be a forgone story, target council of elders while carrying out projects of the National Land Commission to “Empowering women with much focus at Kenyans need to change their mind-sets Noting that culture and tradition continue to “KELIN has worked with Luo Council of food security for Kenyans. in the grassroots since this is a good avenue to emphasize on land principles and the grassroots level where most of them in regard to the type of crops they farm,” Right support male inheritance of family land while Elders to solve women’s land issues. To make this possible, they have tasked omen have over the years borne the drive information home. talk of equitability and access to the live can play a big role in eradicating advises Ndetei. there is a lack of gender sensitive family laws, Where a woman’s husband has died a woman to deliver. brunt of injustices in Kenya with land Burugu says that unlike Wangari who knows precious resource by eliminating all hunger in the country,” says Ndetei. “These are vital groups and we need to target the National Land Policy calls for enactment of Aids, there is a lot of hostility from Farmers in arid and Semi-Arid (ASALs) her right, many women especially those in the elements of discrimination. Agnes Ndetei is now heading the National as a resource emerging as a tool for them since they work faster than our courts and if of appropriate legislation to ensure effective the in-laws who claim she killed their areas need to identify crops which do grassroots do not know their land rights. Drought Management Authority Board, discrimination.W well empowered justice will not be delayed,” she protection of women’s rights to land and related Lumumba notes that women are the son.” well in their areas. and she says that the only way out of Irony Due to cultural practices, many women have been Many women, especially those in the rural areas notes. resources. majority in Kenya and so they should Odemna emphasizes that it is important drought and poverty is by empowering She observes that most women, denied their rights to own land. Tradition has been are still chained to retrogressive cultures that have be majority in land ownership which is According to Professor Abreena Manji, gender to solve land issues in a way that there the Kenyan woman. especially those in the rural areas do Awareness used deny women their rights to inherit land from rendered them poor and with no property to their the biggest form of property. policy and rights must become a norm if Kenya Constitution is no victimization. not have power to decide what will be their husbands or fathers. However, culture has name, including land. Ndetei notes that women are hardest hit The government and non-governmental Urban population is increasing globally planted on the land. is to progress. Since promulgation of the constitution in 2010, She also adds that it takes a shorter by famine owing to their close ties with organisations have been educating evolved and the modern woman is now fighting “Most women in the grassroots do not know their and women are acquiring real estates, three new laws related to land have been passed. time to solve the cases out of court the family and traditional African culture “It is the men who have the power to people on the need of planting crops for her share. rights and they are suffering silently in the villages. performing better academically and These include the Land Act 2012; National Land than in court. “It takes two to five that limit their access to instruments that decide what is to be planted on the which are suitable to their climate. We need to empower them,” says Burugu. Policy so they want equal ownership to their Liz Wangari, 50, a single parent and an Commission 2012; and Land Registration Act months to solve a case locally while in can ensure food security. land,” she notes. However, despite this many farmers Manji who is also the Director of British Institute of ancestral land. administrator represents thousands of women She emphasises that the number of women 2012. court it can take between seven to 15 have continued maintaining that maize, Eastern Africa admits that Kenya has very good According to Ndetei it is ironical that who have been denied their right to inheriting owning land in Kenya will only rise if they are Echoing the same sentiments, years.” which is the country’s staple food is laws and policies but they have not been put in The Land Act 2012 is an Act of Parliament to Capacity women do not have a voice when it land. empowered. Currently, only five percent of land Professor Ambreena Manji, Director what they will plant even when climatic to practice. give effect to Article 68 of the Constitution, to British Institute in East Africa agrees According to David Ngira, women are comes to how the land will be utilised but For the last ten years, Wangari has been visiting in Kenya is registered jointly with women and only “Women are decision makers when it conditions do not allow. This has made revise, consolidate and rationalize land laws; to that something should be done in order afraid to own land because of cultural they are the one to work on it, providing one percent is registered by women alone. “We need internal words to match with the action,” comes to kitchen matters; what will be many Kenyans to suffer poor harvest, Kituo cha Sheria, a non-governmental organisation provide for the sustainable administration and to enable more women own land. definition. “Some women are told that if labour that is not even accounted for in says Manji. eaten in that family so whenever drought hence creating a room for famine and that provides pro-bono services to individuals who “Women need to know what the law says about they own land they will become barren. terms of wages. It is noted that women management of land and land based resources, “All donors agree that something strikes they become the first victims,” food insecurity. cannot afford legal fees, to seek for help on how land inheritance,” says Burugu. “Women issues on land are far from being settled,” This instils fear in them and at times provide 80 per cent of the labour in and for connected purposes. should be done. Statistics are hard to explains Ndetei. she can inherit a piece of land her father owned. says Patricia Mbote, professor of Law and Dean they do not even want to be involved agriculture. “Kenyans mentality on food needs to Burugu notes that empowering women on land Article 68 of the Constitution among other get but we know that women contribute in discussions around land.” As she gets to settle on this now position, change because people think that they Her brother believes that as a woman, she cannot School of Law at the University of Nairobi. “Much work like tilling the land, planting matters can be made easier by inclusion of other things calls on Parliament to enact legislation between 80 to 90 percent of labour on Ndetei is calling on the government and only have to plant maize in order to feel inherit their father’s property since culturally she is However, Kameri-Mbote says we and even harvesting is done by women key groups in the grassroots while carrying out Mbote urges institutions which have been (iii) to regulate the recognition and protection land.” non-governmental organizations as well that they have food,” reiterates Ndetei. supposed to be married. should not demonize culture. “Culture, and children but the income goes to the civic education. mandated with land issues to involve women of matrimonial property and in particular the as development partners to empower She advised that women be educated if well applied, can be enabling but the man’s pocket. This is an example “Those living in arid and semi- arid lands more when implementing policies. matrimonial home during and on termination of women so they can be in a position to “We also need to think of empowering council of more on matters pertaining to land. at times it also constrains us. Who is of injustice I am talking about,” she should farm crops which can withstand deal with such challenges. Eviction elders in various communities’ country wide,” she She affirms that most women work on land and marriage; Article 68 (vi) calls on parliament to “At times women are involved in the custodian? In Central Province explains, adding “this has in turn reduced long dry seasons, furthermore this food enact legislation “to protect the dependants of The brother has been scheming to disinherit her. adds. they are responsible for productivity of land but risky situations where they get men easily share their land with their “Some of the problems we are women to beasts of burden”. can be preserved and stay for long unfortunately a majority of them do not have a say deceased persons holding interests in any land, into transactions that they do not sisters and daughters because to experiencing as a nation arise from without getting spoilt,” says Ndetei giving He has gone ahead to evict her from the land, Council of elders are vital decision making organs on the proceeds of the land because they do not including interests of spouses in actual occupation understand and end up losing their them it is their loss if their daughter injustices levelled against women in this examples of mawele (millet), yams and forcing Wangari to rent a house. at grassroots level in all communities in Kenya. Investment own it. of land.” properties,” notes Manji. is not married. On the other hand, the nation,” Ndetei notes citing famine as cassava among others. However, her search for justice remains elusive. The Constitution of Kenya recognises them in It is hoped that through these land laws, women, Luo use wife inheritance as a way of one of them. “I urge women who are fortunate to own The case started ten years ago and is yet to be solving land disputes and states in Article 60 (g) “At the end of the day it is the male counterparts “Unless we go back to the drawing box who include spouses and daughters will be protecting the woman when widowed. land to look at it as a business venture decided. “. . . encouragement of communities to settle land who hold the title deed and they can sell or Constitution She proposes: “If for instance more this problem of drought will keep on protected to owning and inheriting land without We, should, therefore be aware of and make profit out of it,” Ndetei advises disputes through recognised local community mortgage the property therein and there is nothing According to Professor Patricia women can own a land in Kenya, we recurring and we will never come out of According Carol Burugu, a lawyer with Kituo cha discrimination on their gender. what we should change.” says adding that approximately 90 per initiatives consistent with the Constitution”. the women can do,” explains Mbote. Kameri-Mbote, Professor of Law and can be assured of food security because it,” she concludes. Sheria, Wangari’s case is a representation of cent of women live in country side. Kenyan Woman INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Kenyan Woman 20 MARCH 8, 2014 MARCH 8, 2014 21

elected. Women among the Endorois community Grace Kipchoem defies odds…. are only supposed to be in the kitchen or taking care of babies, a woman is not A healthy mother equals healthy baby supposed to sit on the same table with the husband and serve food; these are Inspiring positive becomes the first elected women MP in Endorois some of the practices that lock women out of leadership positions. “I had to mothers to a By Mary Mwendwa “I am passionate about motions that fight through this culture to convince bring development to the people, people that I could deliver,” she says positive life he is soft spoken but very those that will help uplift their living Kipchoem calls for continuous firm and has been able standards,” she adds. sensitization of the community to through better to overcome cultural and discard such beliefs and empowering socioeconomicS hurdles to become Many people live very far from health option.The facilities and due to bad roads they them both economic and socially. She the first elected woman MP from aspires to contribute towards girl child the Endorois community. Grace either die or depend on herbalists when an emergency comes knocking. Due education by having many rescue World Health Kipchoem (Kimooi) was elected to the increased water levels at Lake centres that would serve the very on a URP (United Republic Party) Bogoria, some of the dispensaries vulnerable girls in her community .They Organisation now ticket, as a member of parliament have been submerged. have started a movement dubbed, representing a population of 80,871 Baringo daughters, which brings recommends that in Baringo South constituency. together all the women of Baringo to try Endorois is a sub tribe of the Tugen Mission addressing problems facing their fellow all HIV positive among Kalenjin tribe, Baringo Loboi dispensary is the only one women in the community. They believe County. remaining and is also threatened with more than 80percent of their problems pregnant mothers She managed to trounce seven men the rising water levels. “Maternal can only be solved by themselves. for the elective post after she garnered health here is a big issue, most women Hon, Kipchoem has been inspired by be put on lifelong 8,205 votes against her closest rival’s depend on Traditional Birth Attendants former MP Chebii Kilimo and Prof. 8,203 votes. “My family, friends and (TBAs) for delivery. The situation Helen Sambili who have played role in ARVs in spite of village elders kept asking me why I has been aggravated by the lack of Grace encouraging and mentoring her as a had to traverse the vast area to look for ambulance facilities which complicates Kipchoem, the leader within the Kalenjin community. their CD4 count votes. I refused to yield to pressure and access to urgent medical attention. first elected pressed on with the quest to serve my “As a member of parliament of Baringo woman MP from Aspirations people just the way men serve them”. in a bid to keep south, I will work towards improving the Endorois She believes that transparency Kipchoem says that Baringo County health facilities, road network and girl community and accountability are the major both mother and is very rich in biodiversity yet local child education in this region. “She PHOTO: MARY ingredients to any political she was not breastfeeding. “I chose to Mothers with their babies after people do not directly benefit from the adds how Lake Bogoria water levels MWENDWA engagement. Kipchoem believes, have led to a closure of six schools, four baby healthy, breastfeed until the staff at the clinic I delivering at Pumwani Hosipital in same. She notes that Lake Bogoria, by 2017, she will have registered primary and two secondary schools. was attending threatened to have me Nairobi. Besides reducing the currently Lake Baringo and Lake 94 attract large remarkable improvements in the road writes arrested. The baby tested positive for high maternal mortality rates, all efforts numbers of tourists yet her people This, she says will impact negatively on network, health and education in Joyce 174 teachers at the moment, I have to people and thus her leadership role HIV. This has been a big burden on my should be made to ensure that all babies languish in poverty. “Poverty levels are education. She further points out how Baringo South constituency. “I want petitioned the relevant authorities is looked down upon. “When people. conscience, I blame myself,” she says. are born free of HIV. PICTURE: COURTESY very high in this dry region of Baringo early marriages have hampered the my constituency to be ranked among Chimbi without any success; pupils now have She notes Kenya is still way far beyond Maurice Okoth, a clinician at a south, greedy people take advantage girl child education in the region. She the best in terms of service delivery in to rely on the very few teachers we achieving the two thirds gender parity Prevention of Mother To Child Stigma and use it as a stair case to their plans to put up more rescue centres lthough hawking foodstuff have. principle. In 2007 general elections, the country”. Transmission (PMTCT) centre in success,” she laments. which will also accommodate the boy along the busy Eldoret- Ong’ech says: “If you have a HIV only twenty two women were elected, An accountant by profession, Nyanza Province says that the One major challenge that faces her child who is neglected. Through the this time round the number dropped to Nakuru highway in Rift population at a health facility on help of other partners they have set Challenges she was born in Araba location, outcome might have been different had treatment but they are sick, this is a constituency is poor infrastructure sixteen. She gives an example of her ValleyA Province is what she did to she been put on Option B+, a lifelong Mukutane division, and Marigat which has made it very hard for the up a rescue Centre at Sandai primary Since Kipchoem was elected, she area whereby men lied to voters that bad sign and points to other issues district. Kipchoem went to Kapropita earn a living, Margaret Wairimu* ARV therapy for HIV positive mothers people to access medical facilities. school where girls rescued from early has had to contend with the culture women had their seats at the county such as stigma.” Girls high school and Lugulu girls had nonetheless made a name regardless of their CD4 count, as is She calls on the government to look marriages stay and board for school. of handouts which was entrenched by government and therefore other seats Wairimu says that it is because of high school for A levels. She holds a for herself as a traditional birth the requirement by the World Health into ways of enacting the wetlands An alarming shortage of teachers in retired President Daniel Arap Moi who belonged to men. This adversely fear that the society will shun them degree in accountancy from Kenya attendant in a remote village in Organisation as of June 2013. policy which if enacted, can be of great her constituency worries her a lot,” she came from that village. She says she affected women’s performance and that some HIV positive mothers, who College of Accountancy University Burnt Forest. benefit to the people of Baringo. says adding that the urgently requires does not have enough money to give thus reason why very few women were are not on ARV therapy, will continue “There were times a bus would stop Significance because a woman on board was in to breastfeed, even when the risk of labour and I would deliver her baby Okoth says that this was in cognizant transmitting the virus to their baby has with no hesitation,” Wairimu explains. with the fact that the life of a mother been made clear to them. is key to the wellbeing of the family. According to Dr Dave Muthama, Deputy “When a mother is healthy, it means African women to gain skills through regional leadership centre Diagnose Project Director at the Elizabeth Glaser that the child is also healthy and the Paediatric AIDS Foundation: “After birth, That was until she began falling sick in whole family does better when the the baby is exposed to HIV through mother is around.” By Valarie Musavi and Jill Anami leadership. responsive policies, planning, budgeting and for effective global participation of women and 2012. Wairimu says that it took a while breast milk, and risk of transmission is performance management in national institutions. youth in leadership. before she was diagnosed with the HIV He further explains that in keeping high, almost equivalent to that of a HIV Both male and female decision makers will be virus. with the Millennium Development negative person having unprotected empowered to promote policies that are inclusive, These courses aim to unlock the potential of Musisi reiterated that the vision of African Centre Goal number 5 that targets to improve sex with a HIV positive person yet omen are set to gain from leadership equitable and sustainable while accelerating participants to transform themselves and to for Transformative and Inclusive Leadership can be “As a married faithful woman, HIV maternal health, one of the main targets some mothers will breastfeed without skills that will be imparted by the growth and development. become catalysts of change in the sphere of a reality if the key components of the programme was the last thing on my mind. When is to reduce maternal deaths. adhering to the ARVs therapy just recently launched African Centre for influence. are well placed. The components include proper my husband tested negative, I realised The Centre also seeks to develop the capabilities because the society will question why WTransformative and Inclusive Leadership. training, mentoring and experiential learning for that I must have contracted the virus “In Kenya, maternal mortality rate is of existing and aspiring leaders particularly women they are not breastfeeding.” Under the patronage of the United Nations Entity women leaders and youth. through my work as a traditional birth still very high at 488 deaths for every and youth in private and public sectors. It will also Rationale for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of attendant. I never wore gloves because 100,000 live births.” He further explains: “This is a very strengthen the capacities of, and support policy She noted that women significantly lag behind Women (UN Women) and Kenyatta University, the According to Christine Musisi, UN Women Regional most of them were emergencies and complex situation because we know makers and public institutions to develop gender men in leadership within businesses, government Okoth says that even more important African Centre for Transformative and Inclusive Director, African Centre for Transformative and done in a hurry,” Wairimu explains. But rolling out Option B+ in the country start on ARV drugs for life, especially that breastfeeding prevents diarrhoea, responsive and inclusive policies and legislation. agencies and political systems. is the fact that improving maternal Leadership (ACTIL) seeks to raise transformative Inclusive Leadership aims at raising a critical mass has proved more challenging and it is if there CD4 count is above 350. It is a which is a leading killer among babies, At the time, she had seven children health has significant implications leaders focusing particularly on women and youth of transformational leaders in politics, business, “It all trickles down to African cultural systems yet to be rolled out in full scale as is the difficult decision to make.” so at times even in the face of risks and wanted one more. In 2013, she on Millennium Development Goal in the continent. Host government and society. that tend to disadvantage women participation case in Uganda and Malawi. of transmission, HIV positive mothers became pregnant and refused to be four which targets to reduce infant According to Dr John Ong’ech an HIV in leadership. For a long time, women in African prefer breastfeeding.” According to Professor Olive Mugenda, Vice- According to Mugenda, the programme which “This will help to create a network of female and put on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. mortality. Okoth says that Option B+ has many and AIDS expert as well as Assistant societies have been denied education and, Chancellor Kenyatta University, the centre will will be hosted by Kenyatta University will help male policy makers that are committed to promoting “I did not want people to know that I benefits to both mother and baby. Director and Head of Reproductive Muthama encourages health facilities therefore, they lack in leadership skills,” noted He said that most children under the Health Department at Kenyatta National enable different types of leaders to explore and build leadership competencies of emerging and gender equality and women’s empowerment had HIV, besides my husband, no one “When a pregnant mother is HIV offering Prevention of Mother to Child Musisi. age of five find it difficult to cope without Hospital there are challenges which exploit their professional and personal potentials existing leaders in the entire continent. in all spheres and create a formidable alliance else knew. Selling groceries, I knew I positive, in addition to the mother being Transmission programs to strengthen a mother. In Kenya, UNICEF statistics have made it difficult to roll out Option with a view to unifying the African community in of leaders in Africa who can transform politics, She added: “It is a high time Africa took leadership would lose customers. People still take on ARV therapy, her baby is also put peer counselling programs. The Centre provides courses in diverse areas show that the average deaths for those B+ full scale and include the cost of the development. business and the society for the benefit of all,” in the global economy and political discourse by time to embrace someone who is HIV on neverapine for the first six weeks including: transformative leadership, agribusiness under five is about 77 deaths per 1,000 additional drugs, challenges facing the “A HIV positive mother supporting explained Musisi. investing in its people to thrive and fulfil their positive,” she says. after birth, or until breastfeeding has The Leadership Centre seeks to promote development, women’s political leadership, live births, it is however staggering health sector as well as other societal another HIV positive mother, who also potential When her baby was born last year, she stopped if she is unwilling to be put on innovation and social transformation and facilitate women’s leadership in the public sector, She noted that the Centre will prepare African in urban slums at 151 per 1,000 live issues such as stigma which continue goes to the same clinic for Prevention of was given supplements for her baby but lifelong ARV therapy,” Okoth says. He the emergence of a regional network of leadership women’s corporate leadership, youth leadership leaders to influence development, engage in Musisi observed that this feat can only be achieved births. to affect adherence to drugs. Mother to Child Transmission services that develops standards and accreditation in development for transformation and gender political and economic discourse as well as allow “by moving beyond good transformative leaders”. afraid that people would wonder why adds: “Not all mothers are willing to is one way to address the situation.” Kenyan Woman INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Kenyan Woman 22 MARCH 8, 2014 MARCH 8, 2014 23

I t KicTAnet officials are certain that a once they become signatories to the solution can be found to deal with this Convention. emerging crime. However, laws are Push for a cyber-law gives “The Convention is expected to serve Long walk to fair weak or non-existent to rein in on hate as a blueprint and guide countries to speech which users perpetrate online. develop cyber security legislations,” says Grace Githaiga, vice-chairperson hope to Kenyan women Laws IAWRT. representation of Journalists The solution, they say, lies in developing “Signing of the Convention would have share laws that will protect women and taken place in January 2014 but the By David Njagi a light user policies for organisations that process has been postponed until June specifically cater for women. There is due to Kenya’s involvement with the women in media moment also need for education targeting lay during a or seasoned politicians like International Criminal Court,” Githaiga users. explains. workshop. Rachel Shebesh, few hurdles By Arthur Okwemba is, therefore, not accidental that recent There is appear to block her way in The promise of such a solution is in studies in the media have consistently need to sight. The Kenya Internet Governance Underreporting shown poor representation of women rallyingF for women’s rights. engage Forum Steering Committee (KIGFSC) hile media practitioners in the media as sources, as workers, However, the Nairobi County Women’s Kenya’s law enforcers link the increase more to is now pushing for a Cyber Security and as managers. In Kenya, the most Representative keeps off social media, in cyber violence against women to low have continued to Bill. recent and comprehensive study on ensure that a tool that would otherwise give her the reporting by violated victims. argue that they give fair gender and media, the Global Media the female much needed leverage to share her According to its chairperson, Alice coverageW to both gender in content The office of the Director of Public Monitoring Program Report-Kenya gender campaign with the rest of the world. Munyua, the legislation is expected to and structures, study after study Prosecutions (DPP) acknowledges 2010, found that only 19 per cent of has fair protect all Kenyans, but there is need has shown a disturbing trend of Shebesh is cautious because of the that cases involving child pornography those heard, seen or read in the media share on to include a gender nature to cyber- marginalization of women. many abuses she has had to endure are reported more often than those of were women. the media crime. through the platform, also known to women and cyber violence. Besides A new study by African Woman and platform. An even more recent study funded make and break lives. “Cyber-crime affects women differently,” the Director of Public Prosecution’s Child Features on women in political PHOTO: FILE by World Association of Christina argues Munyua. She adds: “The Cyber office can only deal with complaints. news further proves that a lot needs “Cyber-crime is targeting everybody, Communication (WACC) and Security Bill should have a few clauses to be done to ensure that the female I am a politician and I know we get “When a complaint comes to us, we refer conducted by African Woman and that deal specifically with how cyber- gender has fair share on the media targeted and that is why we keep off the matter to the police for investigation. Child Feature Services on women in crime affects women.” platform social media,” says Shebesh. This is because we cannot act on an political news shows that only 18 per the models the media have about this determine who accesses media. However, not everyone is convinced issue that has not been investigated,” Only 18 per cent, of those heard, read Like all women hooked to the technology cent of those read, seen or heard on women and men sources of information, How do the media respond to these that Kenya can deliver on such says Tabitha Ouya, Senior Assistant or seen in the political news were powers in terms of allocating resources, in Kenya, the hard-line politician has not political news are women. In Tanzania, how these models influence decisions legislation. Besides, critics argue, DPP and head of Sexual and Gender women, the 2013 study found. The deciding who to interview, what to use been spared the muck of cybercrime. the Gender and Media Progress Study on sourcing, placing and follow-up Communication Commission of Kenya, Based Violence Unit. study further show little number of of 2010 shows that only 21 per cent of stories or issues. Are women viewed and not use, and how much space or the agency charged with developing women in media, especially print media. those heard, read or seen in the media, as housewives, uneducated, mothers, airtime to allocate. However, the Kenya Police Service But one of the most troubling trends is Study the Bill refuses to share details of the are women. Women were found to be sexual objects by the media and what Do we understand the representation A teen navigates the internet at a resource center in Nairobi. Picture: David Njagi insists that cyber violence against the painfully low number of women in A study by the Kenya ICT Action legislation publicly. more present in the inside pages of the implication does this have on the of the elite as sources of information? women is classified as a serious senior management positions. Network (KicTAnet) indicates cyber- women’s and girls’ lack of knowledge However, Shebesh notes, it appears crime. newspaper and less in the front pages treatment of their views and issues in Is there a clearly defined criterion for crime against Kenyan women is on the of the risks and extent of the damage someone is sleeping on the job, Convention While in the past decade, we have where the so called serious issues- the media? determining the elite status of the sources “Officers have been trained on politics, business and economics- are rise, especially those holding offices that they continue to sustain through while the process of seeking justice witnessed progression towards Nirman Moranjak Bamburac and of information? This is important because The International Association of cyber investigation at the Criminal found. of symbolic importance, due to the cyber-crime,” says the report. for abused victims is too lengthy for inclusion of women in news media Tarik Jusic, and Adla Isanovic in their scholars of mass communication argue Women in Radio and Television Investigation Department and are that in most cases, the media is most absence of a legislation to police it. anyone’s comfort. as sources and employees, they are These are the areas the media seek study: Stereotyping: Representation of (IAWRT) believes countries should well equipped to handle such cases,” missing out in the critical decision likely, to lookout for elite voices when According to the Women and the views of men more than the women Women in Print Media in South East Laxity “If today you want to catch someone engage in the making of the African says Marcela Wanjiru Andaje, making positions, where males still seeking views on national discourse. Cybercrime: The Dark of ICTs report, Union Cyber Security Convention first Superintendent of Police in charge of when developing stories. Women are There is so much Europe argues that occupation is one According Shebesh, government who has abused you through social dominate. A closer look reveals that Since majority of the women do not there is a growing trend to spam email before developing national legislation. community policing, gender and child seen best suited to comment on soft of the key markers of a person’s identity agencies like the Communication media you can but you have to go while the patriarchs argue that women politics around control various sources of power they scams, impersonation and theft of protection. issues such as entertainment, which in and their status in a society, and is are less visible in media content and Commission of Kenya (CCK) and the through a process that is too tasking According to IAWRT, African countries can enter the media space, they still personal data among others. most cases are in the inner pages of these top positions that therefore often subject to stereotypical structures. Kenya Police Service can easily track for the ordinary Kenyan and so they would be bound by international law are not ready to open doors for them normally leave it,” explains Shebesh. the newspaper. This means on major representations. “They seem to go hand in hand with and contain this emerging crime. to have their own legislations in place into positions that matter. political and economic issues that are many female employees Access at the heart beat of many countries, find extremely difficult Model Attrition women are just bystanders, watching According to Teun A. van Dijk of on the sidelines as decisions on matters to cope with. As result, Such models explain why in country In Kenya, there is concern over the high University of Amsterdam, the elite subsequent cases in court. that directly affect them are discussed they are either forced like Kenya, the media will be harsher in groups have access to certain forums attrition rate of female who manage to assessing women in public services who and adopted. and discourses that increases their “The law requires that all assault break the glass ceiling. Majority of them erries than when the same mistakes are Access to P3 forms out or resign when proximity to media and likelihood of being cases be documented in the P3 but cannot sustain themselves at the top “Women are assigned to the made by a man. One area of interest for interviewed by journalists. He argues the cost of documenting, preserving for a long time. As Catherine Gicheru, entertainment and private spheres, they cannot handle the researchers is how media achieves this that leading politicians, managers, and presenting the evidence in court the Managing Editor of the Star says: and are thus marginalized within the pressure of the politics. through the choice of sources, words, remains a challenge is shouldered by the survivors,” says “There is so much politics around news. This is achieved through the placing, and frequency of the story. scholars, or other professionals have CATHERINE GICHERU, Bosire. She adds: “For a victim of these top positions that many female systematic positioning of women into more or less controlled access to many If this is done, it will help us understand sexual gender based violence to pay employees find extremely difficult to “marginal” stories, pushing them from MANAGING EDITOR, THE different forms of text and talk, such as By Ben Oroko violence survivors in the region. the meanings the media attach to certain in seeking justice is a major challenge cope with. As result, they are either the front pages to the end pages and STAR meetings, reports, press conferences, gender when it comes to inclusion in Bosire advocates for periodical in the administration of P3 forms.” forced out or resign when they cannot so called “soft issues”, argues Nirman or press releases. This is especially content and decision making process, true for their access to media discourse. and regular capacity building and handle the pressure of the politics.” Moranjak Bamburac and Tarik Jusic, and what implication this has on the ccess to the Kenya Police sensitization among officers dealing and Adla Isanovic. Journalists will seek to interview them, Access One of the most upsetting things in the gender justice push in the media. Yet, Medical Examination forms with the P3 forms, especially the frameworks have been developed. ask their opinion, and thus introduce media is lack of constructive gender it is the qualitative data that is likely to commonly known as P3 police and medical personnel to According to Margaret Omondi, The only challenge is the development them as major news actors or speakers perspectives in decision making Data help tell the story behind the story. Media formsA by sexual and gender-based assure victims of their right to justice. community Resource Person for and refining of these frameworks has in news reports. If such elites are able practitioners and some media scholars the Coalition on Violence Against processes. Lack of constructive been a little bit slow in our context to control these patterns of media violence victims is almost next to Awareness What this data tells us is that while in Kenya and Tanzania have argued that impossible. Women follow speeches at tendere green stadium in gucha district,kisii county Women(COVAW), concurs with approach because even when gender Kenya and other countries in East because very few studies on gender access, they are by definition more “Besides building the capacity of we are yet to get into the minds of the during the launch of last year’s 16-days of activism on gbv against women. Bosire’s sentiments and challenges dimensions are manifested in decisions Africa have differential economic and and media are conducted yearly. On powerful than the media itself. This is despite being gazetted by the the police and medical officers who media personalities and understand how picture: ben oroko the police and medical officers to within media, they are invariably guided political status, gender representation many occasions we have to wait for five Inspector General of Police David handle P3 forms, there is also need it functions, if we are to realize a greater The concern is if the frameworks that ensure that P3 forms are given free of by stereotypical thinking. Women in and portrayal of women in the media years to undertake any comprehensive Kimaiyo and assurances that the to intensify public education and campaigns to equip members of and evidence collection. impact in making the media landscape exist can truly determine if the media charge to victims to increase access media are not seen as intellectual in is similar. Media houses in these studies. public can now access the P3 forms awareness campaigns on the access the public with more information on their own right, with capabilities to more gender friendly. To those in this in question is gender sensitive? Bosire laments that the conditions to justice. countries seem to evaluate women in school of thought, qualitative studies are free of charge. of P3 forms by sexual gender based the forms and their importance in advance the strategic thinking and The challenge has been, while the Does high number of sources or high under which the police issue the P3 the same framework. The big questions needed as a matter of urgency to help violence survivors, including giving relation to seeking justice. The post “When a sexual and gender based direction of the media houses; but as frameworks we have are very good representation of women in a particular Contrary to popular belief, sexual forms are unfavourable to the victims being asked are: Do the media lack address this gap. information to the public that the forms rape care form was gazetted by violence survivor needs access to the in addressing the quantity aspects media speak to the gender sensitivity and gender based violence survivors seeking justice. objects who can be deployed to rake-in the women to speak to on political, are not for sale” explains Bosire. the Minister for Public Health and P3 form, it is not a matter of reporting of participation of women and men in Secondly, the frameworks we have used of the media? The studies needs to go can only access the forms at a cost. financial gains for the media house. economic and cultural issues? Is the Speaking at Tendere Green Stadium Sanitation via Legal Notice NO.133. She regrets that sexual and gender the incident to the police or seeking the media; they remain weak on the to analyze gender and media are yet to beyond content analysis and address She observes that sensitization The gazettement based on the based violence survivors are often medical treatment, but it is the That is why television and radio stations media preoccupied and driven by the qualitative aspects. Consequently, the point their spot light on the relationship the issues of policies, systems and in Gucha District, Kisii County, Naomi on Post Rape Care forms that are more focused on using women stereotype that men are better place to Bosire, Director of Women Concern Sexual Offences (Medical Treatment) required to make copies of the P3 beginning of a justice dispensation analysis we undertake, somewhat, does between power and access to media, interventions the media has put in complement P3 forms for survivors Regulations, 2012, requires that forms before taking them to medical progress to the victim,” observes with specific looks and physique to comment on these issues? not delve deeper into understanding the which might explain, to a greater extend, place to qualify as gender sensitive. and Child Focus (WOCCOF), should be given more attention during medical practitioners utilize the forms officers who also demand for payment Omondi. sell their products and services. This To answer some of these questions behaviour of the media and reasons the dominance of men in the media Only after this has been done, will expressed disappointment that the gender based violence awareness thinking informs the decisions on who P3 forms are being sold to the sexual in documenting forensic examinations if they are to serve as witnesses in the and present empirical data on women why they take the decision they take. content and structures. Who really enjoys we start talking about a media that is to employ, who to promote, and who to and men in the media, several access to the media? How much power gender sensitive. source information from. We are yet to conclusively understand do the sources exercise and how does Kenyan Woman INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Kenyan Woman 24 MARCH 8, 2014 MARCH 8, 2014 25

continue to see women as subordinate to them. One can argue that gender biases and gender- based discriminations have resulted in stereotyped attitudes, discriminatory treatment in assignments The unrelenting quest for gender equality and promotions, traditional gender hierarchies, including premium on family responsibilities, and The historical journey of Kenyan Women financial constraints lack of support mechanisms for working women. Inadequate infrastructure, inadequate As gender issues are not seen as important or towards leadership and fair representation guidelines for policy implementation profitable, women face difficulties in entering the as well as prevalence of HIV/AIDS decision making positions in the media. has been steep and challenging. Below have prevented girls from accessing are excerpts from an interview with the education. Policies Q: Two thirds gender rule still It has been argued that media policies against chairperson of the National Gender and sexist and stereotyped coverage, representation holds bigger prospects in and portrayal of women remain a big gap. Existing Equality Commission Winnie Lichuma by addressing gender inequalities media codes and guidelines are mainly concerned that have defined Kenya’s political with ‘lewd’, ‘obscene’, ‘indecent’ exposure of Faith Muiruri. landscape since independence. Women continue to human bodies, ‘immoral’ sexual relations, sexually rank poorly in the media What are the implications of provocative materials and pornographic content. Q: Briefly highlight the historical despite the fact that There have been some efforts to establish and to increase women representation by 18, the Supreme Court ruling on two from each province and two more media plays an important maintain self-regulatory mechanisms on media journey of Kenyan women towards the gender rule? What are three from the Rift Valley. This however did not role in influencing content. Governments in general take the leadership and fair representation salient issues in the ruling? Do succeed. agenda, as well as responsibility for regulation of media industries in social- economic and political you think they will be achieved in changing attitudes and with regards to gender stereotyping. Action is sphere? Hon Beth Mugo reintroduced the 2015 as proposed by the courts? Is affirmative action bill in parliament in the opinions of people all left to voluntary measures on the part of media there a framework to ensure that it over the world. enterprises or insufficiently effective national A: The historical journey of the Kenyan year 2000. It was however recommended Women dates way back in the pre- is realized by 2015? Picture: FILE compliance/complaints authorities, who often lack that the matter be referred to the monitoring capabilities and whose legal framework independent period and was largely Constitutional Review process that was A: The Supreme Court largely relied often lacks gender-equality policies. To this end, premised on self-help groups. The about to commence. on High Court ruling in a case filed by landmark was the formation of Maendeleo there is no practical monitoring of or enforcement FIDA challenging the composition of ya Wanawake (MYWO) organization in In 1998, women negotiated their way of government requirements in countries and nominees to the Supreme Court. It said 1952, which is still a powerful grassroots’ into the various Constitutional review where standards exist, they are often not applied. that Article 81(b) is aspirational and women’s organization across the structures, from the grassroots to the it presupposes open ended schemes A study carried in 1997 revealed that because of country. national level. They got five slots out of the twelve in the drafting team that would of decision making and programming commercial considerations, when a gender issue Can women set their own In subsequent years, the Women’s draft the law to review the Constitution. which can only be effected over a span is given prominence, it may have the effect of movements in Kenya expanded and of time. cheapening and sensationalizing serious issues, specifically focused on enhancing At the National Constitutional The Supreme Court however said that a some involving gross human rights violations women’s participation in leadership, in Conference, women ensured that one Winnie Lichuma, out of the three delegates from the framework to aid in the realization of the of a woman victim. Some think that it would be appointive and elective bodies. Chairperson of the agenda in the media? Districts was a woman. two thirds gender rule has to be created pretentious to expect wholesome active objective National Gender and By Joy Masheti in the lead articles, 84 per cent of those quoted or on the different initiatives put in place to ensure reports from the media because, for no other This saw Grace Onyango elected as by August 2015 and can either be in the United efforts and capacity to effectively Equality Commission mentioned were men, most being quoted in their security during the campaigns and elections reason editorial coverage is largely influenced the first woman mayor in 1964 and the form of a legislation or call to amend t is against the backdrop of this year’s negotiate saw the birth of the Constitution Picture: FILE professional capacity. This compared with just and that there was no gender-based electoral by a host of factors, foremost among which is first woman MP in Kisumu in 1969. In the constitution. A technical committee International Women’s Day theme ‘Inspiring 1974 Hon. Chelangat Mutai made her of Kenya 2010, which has a lot of women 16 per cent women, who were disproportionately violence. This could explain why many women commercial interests, clientele or readers’ and has been established to come up with a Change’, that we recognise the important debut in politics as the first Kalenjin gains. likely to be quoted as victims and celebrities. reporters were drawn to contribute stories in the outright prejudices of its editors. It would seem to high maternal mortality, infections and a considerable number of women into framework on how the two thirds gender Irole the media plays in influencing agenda, Where powerful women were featured, the images category. However, it should be noted that none of woman to be elected into Parliament at rule is to be realised. from the outset that most gender-related activities infertility. political positions. as well as changing attitudes and opinions of the age of 24. She vied for the Eldoret Q: What is the status of the Kenyan were often unflattering. Other researchers have the stories in this category formed the headlines do not, in the eyes of the mainstream media, The technical committee will define people all over the world. revealed that when media reports on women’s or appeared on the front pages of either of the North parliamentary seat against 11 Woman today? Gender Based Violence: According constitute ‘hard’ news that sell. men and won. She served for one term to the 2003 Kenya Demographic and Q: How are we doing as a country timelines by which the two thirds gender Media plays an important role in structuring of issues, including abortion and birth control, men newspapers. until 1981, with significant difficulties A: Despite the existing socio-economic Health Survey, about half of Kenyan principle is to be attained as they were society as they influence debate and set agenda are quoted around five times more than women. However, although in general women fail to make in putting in place legislations, In political stories, men were given more due to opposition to the then political barriers, culture and traditions, political women have been victims of physical not provided by the Supreme Court on critical issues. For any segment of society to An analysis of the Nigerian media also revealed ‘commercially viable’ news, events sometimes policies and guidelines to prominence. Women did not appear and when they leadership. culture, patriarchy and lack of resources mistreatment/ abuse from the age ruling. Another issue of concern lies in develop, visibility through the media is critical. that women are largely seen and not heard. Their make news out of women, but ignore the latter did they were seen and not heard. For instance, in among other factors, Kenyan women of 15 years. 25 percent of them had operationalize provisions in the the fact that the Supreme Court saw faces adorn newspapers. However, on important altogether by omitting the gender dimensions MYWO also emerged as a strong political The Nairobi Forward Looking Strategies (NFLS) a story titled presidential aspirants intensify their have made considerable strides in all experienced violence in the past 12 Constitution that advance gender challenges in the attainment of Article national issues, they fade out. Even when the news of such events. For instance, news stories on force in the country during the 1980s and the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA), for campaigns, the itinerary of all the presidential spheres. More so after the promulgation months. 26 percent of the women 27, based on the perceptions of an is about them, the story only gains prominence if economic growth may be made without mentioning and 1990s. Strong political parties like equality and equity? instance give recognition to the fundamental candidates and their running mates were given, of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. have encountered marital violence that existing contradiction between Article 27 role played by the media as a tool for achieving there is a man authority figure on the scene. of the central role of women in the economy. Out Kenya African National Union (KANU) A: Legislations that have been enacted (6) and (7) and Articles 97 and 98. apart from that of the female presidential aspirant. In education, there have been involved emotional brutality. 40 percent women’s rights and gender equality. They further of the one hundred stories reviewed in the Star recognised the power of organisation in this regard include: Women news subjects comprised a paltry 23.93 considerable improvements with the have encountered physical abuse and Issues have also arisen regarding the recognise media as tools for providing critical and the Reject, only three were written from a and used its power to mobilise women. Study per cent, which is below the global average that gender aware perspective and were all from the introduction of Free Primary Education, 16 percent have experienced sexual Matrimonial Property Act 2013 powers, privileges and facilitation of the information to women, addressing their rights, as is 24 per cent. The women who succeeded in political especially in closing the gap in enrolment violence within their marriage. affirmative action beneficiaries. Ideally, Closer home, a research conducted by a Master Reject. Sexual Offenses well as changing people’s perceptions in regard to positions years after were mainly aided rates between girls and boys. However of Arts student at the Institute of Anthropology, On the legal front, access to justice they should be similar to those of elected women’s involvement in social processes. The question is who sets agenda for the media? by the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake the completion rates are still a challenge Prohibition from Female Genital Gender and African Studies of the University of Stereotype for women and girls is undermined by members and this requires deliberation. Is it the media managers or the public? Some Organization. for girls. Mutilation Act 2011 As we mark the International Women’s Day, the Nairobi titled Representation of Women in the the lack of an appropriate inter-phase The research revealed that the media continues have argued that women as the underrepresented question that begs our attention is whether women Star and the Reject Newspapers, revealed that In 1992, the National Council of Women At the political front; there are 0 between women and the judicial system. The National Gender and Development Q: It has been argued that to perpetuate the stereotyped images of women. and misrepresented gender should set the media have a place in the media. In a comparative study, the representation of women in the media has not of Kenya and the African Women’s percent women governors; 19 percent Scarcity of resources, ignorance of legal Policy 2011 The stereotyped roles of mother, care givers agenda. Women setting the agenda means doing devolved governments provide a the Global Media Monitoring project found out improved. The study was carried out on editions Development and Communication deputy governors; 6 percent elected provisions, and corruption in public offices and wife came out prominently in the images of something newsworthy, something considered Network (FEMNET) organised a national The National Gender and Equality better platform to increase women that only 24 per cent of the people interviewed, published between December 2012 and February members of the national assembly; 33 coupled with patriarchal attitudes and women in the stories under review. Women were relevant and significant to the public at large, and women’s convention whose agenda was ommission Act 2011 participation in politics as well as seen, or read about in the mainstream broadcast 2013. One hundred main news stories were percent nominated members of the harmful cultural practices all contribute also presented as victims of domestic violence, in a manner that attracts media attention. In this how to access political power. to the construct within which women and and print news in 2010 were women. Moreover, sampled. It explored the representation of women national assembly; 0 percent elected The Convention on the Rights of the addressing the needs, particularly assault, rape and electoral violence. regard it has been suggested that women need only 15 per cent of the stories that appeared that Twenty years after the convention saw members of the senate; 90 percent girls are expected to operate. Child of the marginalised women. Are in the two papers with a focus on image and news to learn to exploit media power by capitalizing year focused specifically on women, and only six There is invisibility of women across all news an increase in women’s organizations nominated members of the senate; 6 subjects. on topical issues, employing simple and focused It is important to further note that the we likely to see women issues per cent focused on issues of gender equality or platforms as there are very few news stories and a strong women’s movement percent elected members of the county Q: In your view, what are some The research revealed that stories on politics methods of presentation, as well as a consistent laws being enacted to implement the receiving more attention with inequality. with women as the central focus. In most of the that focused on the struggle for an assemblies; 81 percent nominated and governance were given more prominence in and non-flamboyant style. In other words women of the key achievements that constitutional provisions on various devolution? news women function as providers of personal institutional framework for gender members of the county assemblies; Another study conducted by The Guardian in both papers and formed 36 per cent of the stories must learn to package their news as credible, 33 percent cabinet secretaries; 27 have been realised in enhancing aspects e.g. The Basic Education 2011, revealed that in a typical month, 78 per accounts, and rarely as knowledgeable experts. mainstreaming yielding to: a national A: We have a third of women in the covered in the research. These stories were persuasive as well as portray spontaneity. gender commission; a Ministry in charge percent principle secretaries; 50 percent women’s participation in Act are factoring in gender parity in cent of newspaper articles are written by men, Expert opinion is overwhelmingly male. Women counties but are we setting agenda largely written by men for women only contributed of women affairs, children and social chairperson of independent offices, 42 leadership in appointive and composition of bodies established 72 per cent of question time contributors are men are quoted as spokespersons of organisations, As we reflect on the International Women Day for them, do they know what their role 13.8 per cent of stories in this category, which services; a presidential directive for percent chairpersons of Constitutional therein which is a step in promoting the and 80 per cent of reporters and guests on radio experts or main news subjects only a few times, theme, media should set and inspire change as elective bodies? is or have they joined the male’s club showed that politics do not attract the interest 30 percent representation of women commissions; 6 percent parastatal gender agenda and even so, they are allocated very little print far as changing the images and representation A: The not more than two thirds gender and want to see and act as men. The Four programme are men. The same research of many women reporters. It was revealed that in public service; establishment of the heads; 13 percent county secretaries; 21 space — either a tiny paragraph or as little as two of women. Gender issues are societal, media principle in appointive and elective nominees have challenges in terms of found out that among the so called quality press, women contributed less than one third of the women’s fund, publication of the Sexual percent county assembly clerks. lines, while men are quoted for the most part of should take corrective measures that mainstream positions has been implemented to a Q: What are the challenges and understanding their legislative roles. the Financial Times had the biggest proportion stories in all the categories. It however, clearly Offenses Act. the story. gender in their policies and practices. The media In terms of health, access to essential large extent, enabling a good number of gaps? Most of them do not have capacity (34 per cent) of women writers appearing on its emerged that women were most interested with should change attitudes which depict women as In 1997, at the peak of Constitutional reproductive health services for women women to get in positions of power like in but NGEC will soon release a small front pages. Men by-liners were prevalent at the peace and security and contributed 57.14 per cent Various reasons have been given for the A: Persistent high level of poverty stereotypes. Media should treat women issues as negotiations, there were only 3 percent is still very limited especially in rural the nominations of the county assembly handbook on gender and inclusion at Telegraph (89 per cent), Sun (86 per cent), and of stories in this category. This could be because underrepresentation of women in the media. This especially in urban slums and rural human issues and therefore give them adequate women in parliament. This prompted Hon areas. The unmet need for family members to ensure the principle is the county level guiding the counties on the Times (82 per cent). The Guardian had a 78 women form the bulk of victims during insecurity. is both in the news and in media houses. Some areas. Further, as the socio-cultural and qualitative coverage. Phoebe Asiyo to table the first motion on planning is high and unsafe abortion is achieved. how they can work on inclusion in terms per cent male skew. argue that the underrepresentation of women norms based patriarchy prevail, families Most of the stories on peace and security were affirmative action calling on Parliament a major problem predominantly for poor of employment and programmes. In the same research, of the 668 people named in the context of the General Election. They were in the media is due to patriarchy, where men women and unmarried women leading The affirmative action policy enabled opt for boys education when faced with Kenyan Woman INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Kenyan Woman 26 MARCH 8, 2014 MARCH 8, 2014 27

Marion Ndeta, Mary Wanjira sets her a Programme Manager at Maria Omare: Giving inspiration to Freely in Hope which is an sight to the best in life NGO that has been in the By Duncan Mboyah the cheque for her college fees, she had children living with disabilities frontline of not even met any of the organization’s hile many young people officials. She would come to meet helping to wallow in poverty and lose By Carolyne Oyugi restore dignity them later after one semester when hope in life after the death ny pregnant woman is always excited to survivors of the sponsor wanted the receipts for ofW their parents, a few like Mary accountability purposes. about finally having a baby and as sexual violence Wanjira has defied the temptation parents they usually have many plans by providing and stayed put with the aim of “This to me was a God sent support having lost hope when my mother’s forA them. educational developing their career in academia. opportunities employer terminated her employment,” However, the situation changes when they finally Twenty-five year old Wanjira lost her and platforms says Wanjira. have a child and realise that it is disabled. It takes father at the age three but under the courage and patience to accept and love the child for women In 2013, Wanjira graduated and went care of her mother who had lost the unconditionally. to fulfil their family inheritance to greedy relatives, applied for the mandatory diploma in dreams. she grew up well knowing that all Law at the Kenya School of Law. Children born with disabilities like autism and cerebral palsy may require a lifetime of constant was not lost despite missing some “We provide needy girls with resources attention and become dependent on other people necessary items most of the time. to uplift them out of poverty and for simple activities like movement, eating and decrease vulnerabilities of sexual She started her schooling at Joyhome even dressing. Primary School in Ngong town and abuse and sexual trade,” says Marion finally Enoomatasiani Secondary Ndeta, Programme Manager and co- This has led to many children being neglected by School, where a women’s group in founder Freely in Hope. their families and society at large. They are seen as a burden and most of the time are hidden away church offered a scholarship to any of “Ours is to unveil beauty in the from the public eye. the members’ daughters who passed broken.” well. However, outside families, there are those who Wanjira emerged the best and got an Expansion think each and every child deserves to be loved open scholarship for her high school unconditionally. Marion Ndeta: A ray of studies. In a bid to proceed with her Besides other support, the organization Maria Omare, chief executive officer Action also assists young women’s education career of choice, the fourth born in a Foundation thinks that these children should be as a means to financial freedom and family of four joined Inoorero University treated with a lot of love and attention. to undertake a Diploma in Law. dignified lives. Omare has been offering her time helping both hope for demeaned girls “We provide girls with an opportunity At that time, her mother worked as a physically and mentally disabled children for the to achieve their goals and secure a caretaker at the Presbyterian Church longest time she can remember. By Duncan Mboyah left exposed,” says Ndeta. She notes: bound in sexual trade, those from poor sustainable future free from sexual Maria Omare, “It would only be normal that being a backgrounds or are orphaned and in Ongata Rongai. She had to share violence through high school and “My first encounter with children living with chief executive woman, I would obviously identify more could easily be taken advantage of or her little earnings between family college scholarships,” she notes. disability was when I was in primary school and officer Action with the pains that befall women.” fall prey to unscrupulous people in their needs and her daughter’s schooling. ignity is an inherent gift from we went to visit a children’s home for the mentally Foundation. desperation to make better livelihoods. On realising that her daughter was The organisation that plans to spread God that cannot be taken Currently Freely in Hope is supporting challenged in Lang’ata run by Catholic nuns. I saw doing well in school, she went for the to all parts of Africa is currently taking away by circumstances of nine girls and two children belonging to However, just like any other organization, even adults of about 30 years being assisted to Constituency bursary fund to enable care of nine girls, one in Zambia and poverty,D violence or oppression. two of the girls who are both survivors Freely in Hope faces challenges that eat, move and or wash their clothes,” recounts her daughter achieve her dream. eight in Kenya and an additional two Started in 2010, Freely in Hope is a of sexual violence. range from lack of funding to recruit Omare. more girls who apply for educational Wanjira excelled in her diploma and in children from two girls on their support non-governmental organisation that It has also trained 20 women from The whole experience stuck in her head for scholarship and to telling apart genuine 2010 got admission to Mount Kenya list, both survivors of sexual violence. centres and financial constraints.” take care of and would disrupt the learning of the has been in the frontline helping to the Kibera slums in microeconomic long and she began to appreciate the fact that cases from fake ones. University to pursue a Bachelor in Law Ndeta observes that the organization other children. This, she says, has motivated her restore the dignity to survivors of sexual activities that has enabled them start she could walk, go to school and even think on Omare, therefore, decided that her centre will be degree. is growing slowly due to financial “I want these children to think of how make the centre grow. violence by providing educational small microenterprises that have seen “We turned down 100 applicants early her own. She later had many such experiences within a low class area. Since she was already challenges. opportunities and platforms for women them uplift the livelihoods of their this year and what we did was to link Knowing that this was a long shot at while volunteering her time in both primary and to be educated like other familiar with Kibera slums she decided that is “I would like to have a school in future so that my to fulfil their dreams. families in a dignified way. some with other organisations that her dream career, Wanjira refused to “There is such enormous need in our secondary school. normal children. Some of them where she would start. children can just join and we reduce the gap. I also also assist vulnerable cases,” explains lose hope and sought a job as a clerk at society, so much abuse and pain but hope to have a van to transport the children from According to Marion Ndeta, Two girls are studying communication “When I was a student at Kenyatta University, I The Action Foundation, located at the heart of Ndeta. one of the city’s law firms. Her plan was we never take on a girl unless we are are very bright and all they need their homes to the centre,” says Omare, adding Programme Manager at Freely in in Kenya and Zambia, one is at the would volunteer for Special Olympics and this Kibera is creating space for children living with Kenya School of Law and in her final She notes the need is enormous and to help her mother meet her university sure we have enough funds to get her that “the movement is very exhausting”. Hope, the organisation provides time we organised a sports camp for children is a little more attention physical and mental disabilities in low income year to become an advocate, another is surpasses government’s efforts as requirements. to the peak,” Ndeta explains. holistic opportunities through with disabilities,” says Omare. She explains: and marginalized areas to lead a normal life. It is Omare, who is a nutritionist by profession, draws studying counselling psychology while cases of sexual violence continue. educational scholarships, healthcare, Unfortunately her mother fell sick Wanjira appeals to young girls to seek “The activity took two weeks, and one of the and patience. volunteer based day centre where parents bring her inspiration from seeing the smiles on the yet another is undertaking a Bachelors psychological counselling and and had to undergo a delicate spinal education as it is the only way they can participants was a young boy who used to be their children with different disabilities. They also children’s faces. in Education degree. The rest are in high emotional support to restore worth Train operation that went awry, leaving her get empowered. volunteer their time in turns and the organization school with one who just completed her brought by the mother on her back. At the end of She is also grateful that she went to Kenyatta that has been shattered. paralysed from neck down. This almost provides volunteer specialists to help. secondary education. The two babies Ndeta also reiterates the need to “Losing a parent or being chased away the event, however, I noticed that this boy would Maria Omare, chief executive officer University which she says is one of the institutions made Wanjira lose hope in furthering “We are committed to unveiling beauty are growing and schooling as well. train law enforcers on how to handle from home by parents is sad but it is not struggle to walk on his own.” Action Foundation The centre offers physical, occupational, speech that embrace people living with disabilities. in the broken. We seek to see dignity survivors of rape. her education. and art therapy to improve not only their esteem the end of life. All must strive to make a The university has programmes that integrate restored and all people living freely in but also their motor, social and communication Presence “I am always happy every morning better future,” Wanjira advices. Intervention people living with disabilities with other students so hope,” Ndeta explains. Support skills. The children are also provided with two when I wake to another opportunity to Mary That is when she realised that with early to contribute money so we could register Action that they can help them go about their education. Freely in Hope has offices in Kenya proper meals in the day. participate in transforming someone Fortunately, a charitable organization, Wanjira. intervention and determination these children Foundation as a non-governmental organisation.” Qualifications and United States of America. else’s life,” says Ndeta. She adds: “I used to read the course work for a blind friend, Freely in Hope, an organization that Picture: FILE could really be helped to be independent. Omare admits that it was not easy. She was taken “I have employed one staff Prisca, who is also Currently it has focussed on solidifying “It is so fulfilling. My joy is multiplied and at some point he told me how much it had The organisation accepts applications is committed to restoring dignity back and forth before the organisation was finally disabled, and every now and then we have a its presence in Kenya by scouting for when I receive a school report of great She ended up doing a lot of research on disability improved his academic performance.” from all interested young women to survivors of sexual violence by volunteer giving his or her services. We might be donors and partners since they plan to performance, when I see a face of a girl because as volunteers they were taught many registered after six months. of below 30 years of age who are providing educational opportunities in the slum but we give the best services as per Out of her work, Omare has been acknowledged increase the number of beneficiaries who came to us completely beaten with things. interested in pursuing a secondary and platforms for women to fulfil their It was at this time that reality dawned on her, there the international standards.” by many organizations and last year she won the to 20 in the next two years. the waves of life but now walks with school or college education depending dreams came in handy agreed to pay “People shun these children simply because of was no turning back. At that time her mates were Akili Dada fellowship which ends this month. their heads high up and full of hope and on the amount of money available. “We are in the process of expanding her college fees. ignorance. It is sad that in this day and age people busy looking for employment but she was busy a new focus.” Access She was also honoured to be one of the two The successful applicants are then to Zambia and South Sudan where still think that the children are bewitched. People looking for a place where she would be meeting “I applied for assistance in my second Kenyans selected for the Social Entrepreneurs subjected to oral interview to ascertain we will run offices in collaboration with A communication expert, Ndeta never take time to think of what the parents go the children. Omare, who is 25 years old, is worried that some year at a time when I had already lost Transforming (SET) Africa Fellowship, a whether their cases are genuine. the local organizations to help young achieved a diploma in Journalism and through. It is also sad that some people even take children do not get a chance to join school. hope in continuing with education as programme for young social entrepreneurs from women realise their dreams. We have a degree in Communication and Public Ndeta says her work is like a calling the children to witch doctors.” Discrimination “I want these children to be educated like other across Anglophone Africa. Relations. She has over 10 years my mother had by then been relieved of given that she has been surrounded also received interest in Ethiopia and normal children. Some of them are very bright working as a journalist and editor. her job due to absence as she was bed After her graduation, Omare decided not to seek “After visiting many children’s homes and some “I am grateful to get this awesome opportunity to with perils of girls since her childhood. will be looking into it as well,” explains and all they need is a little more attention and ridden,” says Wanjira. She adds: “I was for employment but instead focused on starting special schools, I realised that most children who drive the social inclusion agenda forward and talk Ndeta. For now, her work and that of her co- patience.” “We are giving girls this opportunity growing weary of my mother’s probing. something that will give her the opportunity to got the attention needed were from middle class about our work,” explains Omare. She adds: “I founder Nikole Lim is to intensify efforts since they have always suffered most Every time I visited her in hospital, her serve children with disability full time. and rich families,” explains Omare. She adds: She laments that schools which provide special pray for a universe where children with disabilities in the fight to eradicate sexualviolence abuse in our society due to societal Survivors question would be the same, have you “Children from poor families were either hidden or education are few and or very expensive. These are treated with kindness and get access to the through high level education in a bid “By then I was young with no experience and no disposition. Society has always had a Freely in Hope has been recruiting succeeded in getting fees?” had their therapy once in a while and the family children are also faced with rejection as the school opportunities available for them to grow.” to restore survivors’ dignity and hope. money. I was only 21 years old but I managed to way of cushioning boys while girls are survivors of sexual violence and those Wanjira notes that by the time she got mobilize my friends who had the same passion gave up very fast due to the distance to the administration claim that they would be difficult to Kenyan Woman INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Kenyan Woman 28 MARCH 8, 2014 MARCH 8, 2014 29

Eunice Mathu, the proprietor of Parents Teenage girls remain Eunice Mathu: Magazine, which has been in the market since July 1986. under threat of About 332 editions Kenya’s sole have been published as at now. sexual exploitation Picture: FILE surviving female By Jill Anami The report says that commercial sexual exploitation heavily influences the sexual and irls as young as ten reproductive health of the media owner years are having sex adolescents engaged in it. in Nairobi County, “This exposes them to various By Jane Godia Consumers Digest failed to make inroads because Gaccording to a report released physical and psychological harms at the time Kenyans were not into consumerism. by the Nairobi Brain Trust. that affect their health and future Circulation was slow and business was difficult if The report reveals that about 53 lives as adults. Majority are likely f anyone has the authority to speak media you were going to go to the same advertisers for per cent of girls aged between to get unwanted pregnancies, ownership on the Kenyan market, it is two publications.” 10 and 19 years are reported to with 38 percent opting to get Eunice Mathu. Her magazine, Parents, hit She eventually opted to put Consumers Digest have had sexual intercourse. married, 36 per cent opt to carry Ithe vendors’ rack in July 1986. That’s 332 to sleep and stayed with the family theme, which the pregnancy to full term and Most of them get pregnant before 24 per cent resort to induced editions as at March 2014. The print run for “lacked a proper read” in her opinion. She then their 17th birthday, with many abortion. the launch edition was 25,000 — and a sell- thought of throwing profiles into the mix, which dropping out of school to fend for out, marking the beginning of a journey that would provide a platform where people would talk Naomi Bosire, themselves and their children. The report notes that coerced sex has seen her make an indelible mark in the about their lives, marriage and sex—subjects that director Women against adolescent girls is rife in Poverty, parental neglect and lack media industry. nobody wanted to talk about even though they Concern and Nairobi City, especially within the of information have been blamed were topics that touched on daily lives. Child Focus, informal settlement, but despite Long gone are the days when Parents was a 32- for the sorry state of affairs. page black and white production. These days, Never one to shy away from a challenge, Mathu a civil society increased awareness and it puts out some 80 pages or so. But one thing decided she would venture into this maiden organisation Mary, a street girl in Nairobi availability of legal frameworks remains consistent: the cover belongs to regular territory. This, she believes, is why Parents edged in Kisii County. County says that she got to deal with the vice, it remains Kenyan couples and their children. out Consumers Digest and continues to enjoy a She blames the pregnant at 14. seriously under reported. It is a complex mix of human interest stories, readership base that grows by the day. “Despite increased cases of “At a tender age of thirteen, I lost “Hence many young girls continue profiles — and the sex word, once considered competition being out there, with big players defilement in Gusii both of my parents and with no to suffer from sexual abuse, too crude to be read out aloud in the Press, is coming in from outside the country with big cash region to the out of immediate family to lean on, I violence, incest or rape and never too far away in the cocktail of stories listed which we don’t have, we have continued to move court settlements opted for the streets where only endure its resultant physical and on the cover, though some might prefer to think of on steadily,” Mathu says. initiated by the the fittest survive,” says Mary. psychological effects agonizing it in the more genteel term “reproductive health”. She is aware of the challenges that come with elders. She recounts: “I was forced to silence,” adds the report. About 20 couples reportedly request to be put on publishing and changing trends. “Because of Picture: ben engage in sexual activities as a the cover each month. technology, people are no longer reading hard oroko way of livelihood. At the age of consequences copy and most have reverted to the Internet. 14, I got pregnant and eventually Forced sex leads to considerable gave birth to a baby girl in the Recognition This has led to newspaper readership going down health consequences, including streets with no proper ante-natal and alternative media taking over.” those related to unsafe abortions. The formula has earned her the reputation of care.” favourite aunt, and many of her readers will stop Sexual coercion is so pervasive her in the streets with a word of greeting. “Often, Stability crowded while the advertising base remains However, Mary is not alone. Most in some crime prone slums in the Kangaroo courts a of her peers in the streets are they will call out and say, “Are you not Eunice of the same. She adds: “It is a question of giving city. Gang rape being the most “The nature of the magazine is to strengthen Parents magazine?” she says with the smile of a “It’s only responsible readers what they want without appearing to be either pregnant or nursing babies common yet the most under woman who does not go out of her way to court families and that is why we are cautious about duplicating. Already there are so many magazines they can hardly take care of. reported case. Adolescents the price, otherwise the minimum price that the publicity. media that are not partisan in the market from out of the country and people Access to sexual reproductive living in such areas with high magazine should be selling would be in the range are spoilt for choice. The issue of sustainability barrier to justice for crime rates or areas with criminal Mathu’s achievement is made all the more health services remains of KSh400.” that can change the direction is major here. We have seen many magazines gangs increase adolescent girls’ remarkable when you consider that some of the prohibitive to most adolescent launched and unfold within a very short time.” sexual and reproductive health magazines that have come and gone have been Mathu’s business has remained steady even in this country is taking. If we are girls from lower socio-economic risks. pretty powerful and influential. They include the turbulent times. But even good old Parents was partisan, the trust that the What Kenya needs, she adds, is responsible class. Weekly Review, the political analysis publication hard-hit in the chaos following last year’s post- journalism that encourages Kenyans, not partisan victims of defilement For the very vulnerable girls in that was a runaway success in its heyday in the election violence. “We lost ground in Eldoret and public has placed on us is journalism. “It’s only responsible media that are the society like the disabled, By Ben Oroko of court settlement deals brokered by to them, especially on the need for one to Study 1980s and 1990s, and the women’s premier Kisumu when vendors moved off the streets. not partisan that can change the direction this 28 per cent of the girls have abused. local clan elders who derail the process go to hospital within 72 hours to ensure publication Viva, which put cookery and the Many of the old vendors are no longer there country is taking. If we are partisan, the trust that The study by the Nairobi Brain experienced non-consensual of accessing justice through the courts of that evidence is not tampered with. political story together in one powerful package in these two towns, and this has affected the the public has placed on us is abused. The fact Trust reveal that vulnerabilities of sex, 22 per cent reported to eunice mathu, media owner efilement remains a challenge law,” explains Bosire. in the 1980s, and was the forerunner of the very market,” she says. that the media are trusted and powerful should “The elders should be sensitised on the the urban poor differ from those have been commercially sexually posing threat to girls’ sexual gracious Eve and Lady. In Nairobi, vendors are often harassed by not be abused. Tell the truth without colouring it.” dangers of colluding with the perpetrators living in the rural areas due to the exploited. and reproductive health rights. Setback of defilement,” says Bosire. high cost of living, environmental Despite tough competition from the East African city council officials and this has also affected sales. Says Mathu: “Casual vendors who would DHowever, justice for survivors of and health hazards, sub-standard Domination She attributes increased cases of According to Felix Ogeta Programmes Challenges Magazines stable of society magazines — which pose a major challenge to her, even though they defilement is still a major challenge in rural housing and exposure to otherwise assist with sales on the first few days defilement in Gusii region to the out of Officer Coalition on Violence against includes True Love, Drum, Adam and latest are popular among young people who aspire to The fact that boardrooms are male-dominated communities where village headmen and insecurity. In addition to this, there Vulnerable adolescent girls, who that the magazine hits the market are no longer court settlements initiated by the elders. Women (COVAW), Nyanza Region, activists entry Move — Eunice Mathu’s professional baby is increase in sexual exploitation include the poor and disabled, there.” the life depicted in the magazines. “The lifestyle also concerns Mathu. “Our main newsrooms clan elders continue settling defilement must be vigilant in the war against sexual continues to hold its own with circulation figures “Settling defilement through kangaroo of women, girls and child abuse magazines give the impression that every Kenyan have been unfriendly to women, barring them cases through ‘kangaroo’ courts to the gender based violence through intensified face serious challenges including of up to 40,000 and a readership of 6.5 million, Nevertheless, she remains confident. “Parents is court deals brokered by clan elders not is rich, yet most Kenyans are poor,” she argues. from reaching the top echelons. Most women who detriment of the victims. community sensitization campaigns and as well as a high prevalence of discrimination to access sexual according to Steadman reports. well grounded and able to cope,” she says, not “This is what makes all these magazines different would have gone up have been edged out. We only denies victims their right to justice HIV and AIDS. reproductive health information According to Naomi Bosire, director networking with relevant county and unduly shaken by the challenge of a growing pool from Parents, which is read all over the country, need women at the top with responsibilities.” through courts of law but also exposes and services. Women Concern and Child Focus, a national government institutions. According to the report, 92 per of competition and new media. “Emerging media including areas where no other publications reach, them to social stigma and future retaliation Market Mathu the businesswoman is concerned that civil society organisation in Kisii County, cent of the adolescents engage “Awareness raising and educating is made up of lifestyle journalists, but is it giving us and is for people raising families.” from their assailants,” observes Bosire. Ogeta calls for concerted efforts in the war The Kenyan market has long been perceived any role models? Are these magazines real?” women who have started media organisations defilement is one of the sexual and against sexual gender based violence by in sexual activities as a means of young people on sexual She laments that majority of defilement to be a graveyard of magazines, many of which Mathu, who is a founder member of the Media have pulled out and taken other directions—the gender-based violence vices depriving including all stakeholders in the society. survival. reproductive health is important come and go without so much as a whimper in the When she started out, the print media was a Owners Association and the Association of Media most recent examples being Sheila Amdany of girls of their sexual and reproductive cases collapse due to out of court settlement and urgently needs to be done. “There was an urgent need for COVAW “Having dropped out of school absence of long-term investment prospects such two-horse race, with only two newspapers, the Women in Kenya, adds: “If I want a lifestyle Radio Simba and Rose Kimotho of Kameme health rights. deals which compromise credible legal There is need to provide reliable, to equip community activists with skills in and no employability or as those offered by the South African connection Standard and Nation. There were also very few magazine, there a many international titles fame. action against perpetrators since such explicit, accurate and correct Bosire accuses clan elders of protecting paralegal to help build their capacity on entrepreneurial skills, adolescent that the East African Magazines stable enjoys. people in the media. She adds: “Now there is so that are on the magazine racks. Already, this deals interfere with incriminating evidence sexual reproductive health But women also do not help their case when they perpetrators of the vice by negotiating against the perpetrators weakening cases aspects of the law in relation to dealing girls are easily lured into What, then, is Mathu’s secret to success? much media. It’s difficult fighting for that same cake market is exposed to so many other sources of information for the adolescents fail to map out their career path to rise to the top. for out of court settlement deals, thereby with sexual gender based violence cases commercial sexual exploitation with over 70 radio stations, so many magazines, information.” before a court of law. both at national and county level as The answer is slow and considered: “Parents “Women must fight for their position,” she adds. denying victims their right to justice. as part of the efforts of making the society by friends and peers who are newspapers and TV stations. The media industry Bosire underscores the need to train well as address their plight within was not the first magazine that I had engaged Indeed, she confides, she has registered many “Know what you want and be patient enough to violence free,” says Ogeta. already active in the practise,” is too wide for readers and advertisers.” “Justice remains elusive for defiled girls village and clan elders on procedures that the existing health provisions in. I started publishing a consumer publication titles but will not be launching any other magazine make sure you get it.” from the Gusii community due to the out must be followed when cases are reported reads the report in part. frameworks and structures,” the known as Consumers Digest in 1984. However, The rise and rise of lifestyle magazines does not soon because she reckons the market is too report urges. Kenyan Woman INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Kenyan Woman 30 MARCH 8, 2014 MARCH 8, 2014 31

last 26 year, a place she came to when she was only 18 years old. A tailor by train, Muhonja has been mending Alice Kirambi For slum women, services clothes to the locals in Kibera. Her three children are the only source of joy in her life. According to Muhonja, nothing much has been achieved on devolution and that there are still Inspired to planning meetings to discuss on intended projects have not trickled down that help the people. “I have not seen my Member of the County Assembly call for a meeting to discuss work for the developments projects,” says Muhonja. She adds: “If you get to inquire, he says we shall have a meeting in town, but up to today the meetings with the locals have not taken off yet, and you see community days are just going on and on.” As a slum woman, Muhonja says that services By Ruth Ayugi Kirambi participated in the Fourth World that can of beneficial to women living in the slum Women Conference at Beijing China. include how to improve access roads to health er humble background She was among the four hundred facilities so that pregnant women can be assisted could not deter her from Kenyan delegates that attended this easily in such situations. advancing her education conference, which came up with the “Women should come out fighting for their andH professional career. Even in 12 critical areas of concern affecting her adulthood as a wife, mother of rights by creating time to read and have a women’s human rights and freedoms. better understanding of the Constitution which four children and a widow, she has She organised a fundraiser for the allows equal participation into county assembly relentlessly continued to upgrade ladies dubbed, “sponsor a sister to developments plans,” says Muhonja. She adds: her educational status which she Beijing” which was the vehicle she used “Women should be involved in all aspects of says enhances her capacity in to get 22 women from her Western developments plans that not only will benefit them community development. Kenya community to China. but the entire community.” The Maendeleo ya Wanawake Kirambi says the 22 women she got Secretary General Alice Kirambi began to Beijing are now influential people in Resources her basic education at Vinyalo Primary society in different parts of the country. School and later joined St Stephen For Jane Awiti Kibera has been home for the last High School, Kisii where she obtained She is happy that her efforts impacted 21 years now. A single mother who fends for her her O-level East African Certificate of positively on these women who now family through monthly rent she collects from her Examination (EACE). refer to her as their mentor. tenants at Makina village, Awiti’s understanding of devolution is that it is where resources As a young girl, Kirambi cherished “These 12 critical areas of concern are distributed from the national to the local Christianity, moral integrity, honesty affecting women’s human rights government. She has not seen services trickle and responsibility as well as the care and freedoms were feminization of down to the grassroots. for others, especially orphans and poverty, inadequate participation in vulnerable children. politics and decision making, lack “For example, like in public primary schools we economic independence, negative are still being forced to pay some money for Her community work started in early cultural practices based on patriarchal Alice Kirambi, our children. We are also forced to purchase 1990s in Mang’elete of Makueni, where ideology, lack of access to relevant and Maendeleo ya text books for them and we are not seeing that residents are faced with acute water appropriate information,” she notes. Wanawake education is free anymore,” says Awiti. problems. Secretary During a recent visit to Mbagathi District Hospital Inspired by their plight, Kirambi lobbied General Awiti did not get to be served well as a patient the government and managed to Achievements Picture: MARY because the drugs that were prescribed to her secure over 300 hand pumps, to ease Kirambi joined the Soroptimist MWENDWA were missing. the burden of water borne diseases International, a worldwide volunteer that plagued the area residents. service organisation for businesspeople “I even paid a fee KSh100 to get a hospital car,” and professionals. The organisation By Thomas Bwire The sprawling Kibera slums where residents have she says, adding “luckily I had the money with Kirambi says since then, the women countries with a children’s cabinet Kirambi is the current Director and works to improve the lives of women embraced devolution. Picture: FILE me.” from Mang’elete have managed to beat that has the capacity to articulate Chairperson of the Vihiga Water and girls in local communities and These 12 hunger because they can use the water issues related to children’s rights and Amatsi Company that seeks to gives them an opportunity to discuss their issues, Awiti’s biggest challenge has been how to throughout the world. Here, she was t 26 years, Catherine Wangui has been to grow crops. critical areas freedoms, including the right to basic guarantee access to safe drinking which in the past years never took place,” says participate on devolution. She has ignored some elected the first Secretary of Soroptimist needs, like education, food, shelter, water to all citizens. This responsibility living in Kibera for the last 10 years. of the locals forums called by the leaders, and She also takes credit for the construction of concern affecting Wangui. International in Kenya. She used her water and security,” she explains. complements her initial efforts to protect She is a mother of one child and happy in most cases she has heard of such meetings of three classrooms in Utalawa Primary position to educate quite a number women’s human rights water springs and construct water tanks toA be playing a crucial role as a community She notes that Okoth has made great strides in through hearsay and some friends which she Kirambi also joined the Elimu Yetu School in Kisase, a village in Kitui. of Kenyans from very poor families. in several communities and institutions ensuring devolution works well for the locals with and freedoms were Campaign in lobbying for universal free member in educating the locals in Kibera on says might end up not being true. Kirambi was touched when she saw She rose to be the first Governor of within Vihiga and Kakamega districts in just one example where he makes sure that “the primary education in Kenya in line with matters to do with gender based violence. She urges the members of the county assemblies children learning under a tree. Soroptimist International, charged with feminization of poverty, Western Province and Makueni District process for one to apply for school fees bursary the World Declaration at Jomtien in Her tasks majorly are to assist slum women in the to enhance better communication channels “I really felt for those children so I global policy making decisions. This in Eastern Province of Kenya. for our children was held in an open ground in inadequate participation 1990 and the Dakar platform in 2000. community to get to know their rights if they end with the locals so that when they are calling for worked so hard to look for funds to help involved more travelling around the front of everybody”. world than she had done before, which As a result of this sustained advocacy, As Secretary General of Maendeleo ya up being abused in their marriages and the kind of meetings the locals will see need participate. these children get at least a classroom. in politics and decision over one million-school going children Wanawake, Alice says she conducted assistance they may require to get justice. also meant that she was better placed “Let our locals leaders engage us more, the gap I found some donors and we were able making, lack economic have joined education institution under various activities to promote peace Accessibility build three classrooms. From there the to push for and implement solutions She understands devolution to mean top services between us here and the ones in leadership is so the free education program in the among warring communities. However her biggest headache is still with the government took over and it is now the relevant to women issues. independence, negative which have been held by the national government wide and our prayers are that, something needs Country. Member of the County Assembly whom majority Utawala Primary School,” she says. She left in 2002 to head Christian In Isiolo, she says, women came up in the precious years are localised to benefit the to be done urgently,” says Awiti. She adds: “We cultural practices based of them are not getting closer to the people who Partners Development Agency herself. In 2004, she participated in international with a campaign dubbed ‘exchange locals at the grassroots level. don’t want to see the ongoing wrangles from our elected them to the key positions. Initiative Presently, Kirambi is still a member of on patriarchal ideology, conferences for mainstreaming gender a baby’ where Turkana women would “For example, like in the past years an ailing patient leaders, we had an agreement before they came Soroptimist International, though she lack of access to relevant and disaster management in Germany carry Somali children and Somali living in Mandera was in most cases brought all Wangui urges local leaders to stop selling politics into power that service delivery was to be agenda In 1993, Kirambi launched the Christian does not hold any office. and in Hawaii. She also presented women would do the same. the way to Kenyatta National Hospital in order to with an aim of who will capture a seat come 2017 number one.” Partners Development Agency (CPDA) a learning paper on Mainstreaming Leaders should discard empty and appropriate “This campaign helped to restore peace get better treatment since health facilities in their but should engage with citizens and come up with Khadija Ismail, a single of four children says as part of her solidarity with the poor. Kirambi was also a long-term Gender in the Millennium Development in the volatile area because how do you county at that time could not offer the necessary rhetoric and instead engage dialogue forums to have equal participation of services have not trickled down to the slums. The initiative held to educate girls from chairperson of the Breast-Feeding information. Goals at the United Nations Conference kill a woman carrying your own child,” services required,” explains Wangui. projects that can be of beneficial to all parties. a humble background up to the college Information Group Kenya, whose main in June 2005. During the National “The plot where I live has no bathroom or Alice Kirambi , The she explains. the electorate in meaningful level. goal is to improve early childhood Constitutional Conference at Bomas However, she notes that with devolution now About 30 per cent of slum women know about washroom facilities and to access them one has Maendeleo ya Wanawake debate to help prioritize and reduce child mortality rate in the of Kenya, Kirambi joined other child In Kajiado, Maendeleo ya Wanawake taking shape in Kenya, the system is gradually devolution and how they can participate in to paying on a daily basis,” says Ismail. Christian Partners Development Secretary General country. activists and lobby groups to push for managed to bring together morans, changing for the betterment of the citizens. For devolution matters,” she notes. Agency was first started in Chavakali development in their Her hopes that elected leaders would start the rights and freedoms of children educated them on the side effects of example, she says the Member of Parliament for town, Vihiga County, Western Province In 2001, Kirambi was involved in Wangui advocates for public forums such as chief addressing issues of amenities like bathrooms to and women in the Constitution. female genital mutilation and they were Kibra, the constituency which hosts the sprawling respective areas and has since given birth to several the initial processes that led to the barazas to enlighten women more to have a better make their lives better have been dashed. the United Nations Conference on the shocked to find out what their women slum Kenneth Okoth is now more accessible to offices in Nairobi and the entire Africa formulation of the Children’s Act in 2001 CATHERINE wangui understanding of their involvement on devolution. rights of a child. go through and vowed to fight the vice the local. “I believe devolution should address such matters Region. in Kenya. She was instrumental in the Campaign Fanice Muhonja has also lived in Kibera for the preparation of children to participate in “Today, Kenya is among the few and for me that was a big step towards “Every Monday he gets to meet the people and at the grassroots level,” says Ismail. Kenyan Woman INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 32 MARCH 8, 2014

Empowerment through agriculture will eliminate violence against women By Julian Muturia Agriculture can play a significant role Domestic Product annually and another in reducing poverty and eliminating 25 per cent indirectly, it also provides violence against women especially 70 per cent of informal employment in espite being among Africa’s in rural areas. A large percentage of the rural areas to women and youth. economic giants and lauded violence against women has been Smallholder women farmers continue to for the most progressive laws attributed to poverty. Although 80 per be discriminated with regard to access Dincluding the new constitution, Kenya is cent of food is produced by smallholder to agricultural productive resource as faced by numerous challenges towards women farmers, very few have access they are viewed as unproductive due mainstreaming gender and achieving to productive resources such as credit, to low production hence accelerating gender parity in the political social and land, water and markets and make up poverty. about 60 per cent of chronically hungry economic sectors. In light of the foregoing, there is an people in the world. Only one per cent The struggle for gender parity and urgent need for all stakeholders, of women own land and access credit women’s right has been ongoing since government, civil society and private in Kenya. the drafting of the Universal Declaration corporations to recognise the role that of Human Rights in 1948 which agricultural activities by small holder emphasises that human rights should Challenges women farmers continue to play in be enjoyed by all without any form of This has been attributed to retrogressive poverty eradication. They should then discrimination. cultural practices which have denied provide them with the requisite support women the opportunity to own towards achievement of socio-economic Convention land individually or jointly with their rights and subsequently elimination of spouses, high cost of inputs, poor violence against women. Subsequent international and regional livestock husbandry, limited extension ACORD, a Pan African organization instruments such as Convention on the services, over-dependence on rain-fed is working in 18 countries in Africa on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination agriculture, lack of markets, and limited the thematic areas of women’s rights, against Women (CEDAW as well as the application of agricultural technology and health, peace building, food security and African Charter on Human and Peoples innovation. The annual national budget livelihoods. ACORD has been present Rights and its Maputo Protocol continue 80percent of food is produced by smallholder women farmers. However, very few for agriculture has also been on the in Kenya since 2005 and works in the to reaffirm this. have access to productive resources such as credit, land, water and markets and decline from 5.1 per cent in 2009/2010 most marginalized and hard to reach Picture: FILE The Constitution of Kenya 2010 make up about 60 percent of chronically hungry people in the world. to 3.6 per cent in 2012/2013. communities. brought unprecedented gains for Improving the productivity of small holder In all its work, ACORD has a bias women ranging from ability of women inheritance, the not more than one holder women farmers to engage with women farmers will not only eliminate for women in which we seek to to pass on citizenship to their children, third gender rule in elective positions, the county government in determining violence but also accelerate achievement elimination all forms of violence against equal rights in marriage, shared and provision for socio economic rights the budgetary allocations for inter alia of the Millennium Development Goals. women through research, community parental responsibility, elimination of in the Bill of Rights. Devolution has agriculture which is a devolved function Although the agricultural sector directly sensitization and trainings, economic discrimination in land ownership and also provided an opportunity for small of the county government. contributes to 26 per cent of the Gross empowerment and policy advocacy. Saving women from jaws of loan sharks By Ben Oroko Kisii County Assembly, the table banking terms and conditions of lending do not who charge punitive interest rates that County, shylocks have impoverished concept seeks to rescue women from favour a majority of them,” advises a majority are unable to repay. unsuspecting rural women. unscrupulous individuals who continue Otara. “We have witnessed poor women lose Bochere notes that it is only merry-go- disempowering unsuspecting rural omen who have been their property and investments after round cash contribution activities that women. The concept will ensure that victims of shylocks (loan Concept being auctioned by the same shylock can rescue women seeking economic women become more self-reliant sharks) can now heave who use all means at their disposal empowerment. She singled out her financially. The table banking concept will be rolled aW sigh of relief, thanks to the table to recover the credit advanced,” says group of 20 members who meet every banking concept that will equip them out to villages in all the 45 wards in “For decades women have suffered Kisii County where experts in business Gisiora. Wednesday and contribute KSh300 with financial mobilization skills and in the hands of financial institutions each. management will be hired to train She adds: “Though they offer convenient business ideas to empower them and commercial banks which demand women on business ideas and financial financial solutions to the borrowers, “This amount is then shared between economically. collateral and charge high interest management skills. the shylocks more often than not have two members each week according to rates, thus limiting their access to The concept, set to be rolled out frustrated women’s efforts to empower our rules of engagement,” she explains, under the stewardship of members credit,” explains Otara. According to Moraa Gisiora, an official with a local self-help group in Bobasi themselves economically.” adding that women will be more secure of the county assembly, will drive the She advises women to join groups and with table banking. Chache Ward in Kisii County, the Women in the rural-based households engine of rural women’s economic decide on the standard amount they concept has come at the right time will not only use the table banking The mode of distributing the money empowerment. can contribute over a specified period when women in rural areas need concept to address their financial is done through balloting where all of time after which the savings are This comes amidst reports that women economic empowerment. needs to also address the challenges members participate. advanced to members based on their entrepreneurs have been experiencing they face while seeking credit and difficulties in accessing loans and rules of engagement. Gisiora decried the frustrations women go through in the hands of shylocks. loans from financial institutions. Contributions credit from leading financial institutions “I am encouraging women to take She described the situation as According to Kwamboka Bochere, and commercial banks due to the strict advantage of the table banking concept “The merry-go-round cash contributions adverse, noting that unsuspecting and a member of a local self-help group lending terms. to pool financial resources together in our group collects KSh6000 per week desperate rural women seeking credit in Boigesa Village, Giasaiga Sub- to finance their investments without and is shared between two members According to Mary Sally Otara, Member go for unsecured loans from shylocks location in Bobasi Chache Ward in Kisii depending on commercial banks whose in a cluster,” says Bochere. She adds:

Executive Director: Arthur Okwemba Contributors: Joyce Chimbi, Ruth Omukhango, Odhiambo Orlale, Carolyne Oyugi, Joy Masheti, Gilbert Ochieng, Hellen Kivaya , Jill Anami, Henry Kahara, Editor: Jane Godia David Njagi, Ben Oroko, Valerie Musavi, Ruth Ayugi and Thomas Bwire Sub-Editors: Faith Muiruri and Duncan Mboya Cover picture: Women walking back to their homes in Gumuruk, Pibor County, Jonglei State. (Credit Plan International