Kenyan Women Call for Unity Amid Political Grandstanding
By Kelvin Majangah
A section of women leaders and rights organisations have raised their Concern over the ongoing Political grandstanding in the country and the impact it has on vulnerable groups.
Led by the Women of Kenya under the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) and the Women Mediation Network Kenya they said that It is essential for all stakeholders to put aside their differences and work towards a common goal of building a better country.
Addressing a press conference Dr Jennifer Riria, the CEO of Echo Network Africa and chairperson of AWLN-Kenya chapter, said that Women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly are the most affected by political instability and economic strains. Therefore, it was crucial to ensure that their needs and interests are at the forefront of any political decision making process.
“Mothers of this country are concerned about the ongoing grandstanding between Government and the Opposition. Ultimately, it is the women, children, persons with disabilities, the elderly and other vulnerable groups that suffer the most. Our economy is already suffering and cannot afford further strains. As women of Kenya, we are calling on Kenyans of goodwill to pull together and not tear the country apart” said Dr Riria.
She said that they were concerned about the safety and security of Thousands of families most of whom are women and children currently displaced from their homes and camping in tents, especially in the bandit-stricken Counties.
“Some women are giving birth in the camps and children have stopped going to school. Though welcome, the rains have made a bad situation worse. We urge the Government and other humanitarian agencies to move swiftly and provide decent accommodation, food, medicines, and other critical services to these families and help curb further suffering”
Dr Riria futher thanked The President for appointing more women into leadership and specifically for appointing young women.
She however said that Kenya is still lagging far behind other nations in the pursuit for gender equality.
“As women, we are still waiting to have the constitutional provisions on the ‘Not More than Two-Thirds Gender Rule implemented.”
She Further, noted that women with disabilities were missing in the list of appointments and implored that the matter be looked upon with urgency.
“We remind ourselves that a society is judged by the way it treats its most vulnerable. We urge the Government to continue listening to the voices of the Kenyan people and move quickly to address the suffering of the people especially in respect to the rising costs of living.”
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