𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐘𝐀 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐄𝐃 𝐄𝐅𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓 𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑-𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄*

The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), have embarked on a process to validate their strategic objectives, with an aim of establishing a Gender-Responsive Legislature.

During a breakfast meeting convened by the African Centre For Parliamentary Affairs, the leaders deliberated on the challenges facing women leaders in the two Houses of Parliament and explored possible solutions.

Hon. Leah Sankaire (Kajiado), the KEWOPA Chairperson, underlined the unwavering commitment of the caucus to empower their members.

“We are focused on building the capacity of women legislators of the 13th Parliament to be more effective leaders in their triple role of legislating, oversight, and representation,” she stated.

“We are committed to making the 13th Parliament a gender-responsive institution and, most importantly, participating in the discussions on making gender-responsive policies for our beloved country,” added Hon Sankaire.

One of the issues that took center stage during the discussions was the stark underrepresentation of women in pivotal leadership positions within political parties.

Hon. Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North), the KEWOPA Vice Chairperson, emphasized the urgent need for greater female representation in decision-making roles within political organizations.

She pointed out that the leadership of nearly all political parties in the country is predominantly composed of men, a factor that has contributed to the marginalised status of women politicians and aspirants.

“I do not think that just having the Party Women League is enough. We need women in substantial party positions, such as chairpersons or secretary generals, to effectively champion the interests of the gender group,” said Hon Elachi.