CREAW executive director Wangechi Wachira at a past event. FILE
By EVELYN SITUMA
A civil society group has blamed culture and biased legislation for women rights abuses and limited participation in leadership.
The Centre for Rights, Education and Awareness (CREAW) said women were yet to be visible in key institutions despite the Constitution providing safeguards against gender discrimination.
“Women leaders can be effective in fostering positive changes and policies that reflect their rights, priorities and experiences,” said CREAW executive director Wangechi Wachira during a dinner hosted for women legislators in Nairobi last week.
She said weak participation in decision-making was a threat to enjoyment of women rights as well as development of sustainable policies.
“Women in leadership positions will influence the allocation of resources and the development of policies that address gender inequality and empower grssroots women economically and socially,” said Ms Wachira.
Election violence
In the last General Election, CREAW sponsored 35
candidates for various political seats. Eighteen of the beneficiaries
are now serving as legislators at the county and national assemblies.
The civil society group supported the women during their campaigns through training and printing of posters. The project was funded by the Dutch government under the Funding Leadership and Opportunities for Women programme.
The centre is organising another forum for women on leadership and accountability.
Kenya scores poorly in women inclusion in
legislative positions while Rwanda tops the world with 56 per cent of
its MPs being women.
The women politicians said that violence and
insecurity during campaigns and inadequate finance were some of the
reasons they do not seek elective positions.
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