By Lucy Kemunto
Lion Place Nairobi, Kenya; May,15,2018.
UN Women’s Regional Director Ms. Izeduwa Derex-briggs had a meeting with The Registrar of Political Parties to discuss on gender equality and women’s empowerment within Kenya and the region.
Kenya’s 2017 election revealed a positive shift in attitudes towards women’s leadership. Women were voted in as Governors in three counties (Kitui, Kirinyaga and Bomet) and three others as Senators (in Uasin Gishu, Nakuru and Isiolo).
Three women—Fatuma Duulo (Isiolo Senator), Naisula Lesuuda (MP for Samburu West) and Sophia Noor (MP for Ijara)—were elected in marginalized areas in Northern Kenya.
Kenya is however yet to achieve gender equality as the participation of women in electoral politics is still low. ORPP and UN Women’s Regional director discussed on the stumble-blocks that must be addressed for women to forge ahead. ORPP will steer the formation of a task-force to look into the law in regard to party primaries, which will be forwarded to the parliament.
