Kakamega County Assembly female members (MCAs) have been urged to be swift and take a concerted action in advancing gender rights in political space.
Speaking during a workshop by Transparency International Kenya (TI) on Accelerating Change in Women Leadership and Advocating for Gender Sensitive Policies, TI Regional Program Manager Ms. Elizabeth Duya appealed to County women legislators to remain steadfast in pushing for gender inclusion and political rights in the male-dominated field.
“I urge you to ensure that you have access to political rights and opportunities regardless of your gender. This will help promote a sense of belonging and define our societal roles and expectations,” remarked Ms. Duya.
The National and Gender Equality Commission (NGEC) Program Manager Mr. Davies Okeyo reiterated on the need for inclusivity while advancing for gender equality and women leadership in Kenya as well as advocating for the role of women caucuses in the society. Assembly Women Caucus Chairperson Hon. Jael Omunyang’oli was optimistic that capacity building for female lawmakers will go a long way in helping them understand their role as they discharge their mandate.
She was of the view that skills and knowledge acquired during the workshop will sharpen members of the Caucus when executing oversight roles as they actively engage with policy makers in influencing their decision making process.
The workshop was graced by the Assembly leader of majority Hon. Philip Maina who doubles up as the Chair to the County Assembly Representative Network Against Corruption (CARNAC), a child to African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC) – a National Assembly Caucus co-founded by Hon. Musikari Kombo, former Member of Parliament (MP) for Webuye Constituency.
Hon. Maina challenged attendees to familiarize themselves with CARNAC objectives, which will foster transparent and accountable governance that will ensure effective utilization of resources in their respective counties. Members were also inducted through budget making process cycle and how to effectively draft bills and motions as well as debating them on the floor of the House.
Aimed at creating awareness on gender equality and women rights as they endeavor in advancing their caucus objectives, the workshop brought together Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Siaya County Assembly Women Caucus members and other partners.
Transparency International Kenya (TI) is a non-profit organization with the aim of developing a transparent and corruption free society through good governance and social justice initiatives. In attendance were representatives from Transparency Social Accountability (TISA), Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.