Secretary of State John Kerry says women in Kenya are ‘finding their voices’ The United States has commended the performance women candidates in the just concluded general election. Secretary of State John Kerry however noted that more can be done to increase the number of women candidates on ballot papers.
16 women were elected as Members of Parliament in the election. None was elected for senatorial seats.
Mr Kerry said women in Kenya are finding their voice in politics due to democratic reforms and advancement human rights.
“Yet, despite the significant gains women and girls have made, too many challenges and barriers remain. In far too many places, women continue to be excluded from the ballot box and political leadership, and from land ownership and credit markets,” he said in a speech read on his behalf by the Cultural Affairs officer in Kenya Raymond Stephens.
Mr Stephens delivered the remarks at the City Council Licensing Centre where the Africa Youth Trust hosted women and female students aspiring for leadership and political roles.
The US Secretary of State said in many places, girls are still kept home from school or are forced into early marriage and that too many women are silenced, abused or subjected to violence because of their gender.
“Many are risking their lives in the pursuit of justice. Their courage must inspire us to continue to work toward a world where every woman can live free of violence and pursue her fullest potential,” Mr Kerry’s statement read.
He added that the month of March, which is commemorated as the International Women’s History Month, reminds the world of the challenge to safeguard the progress made to protect and advance the health, education and human rights of women and girls.
“No country can get ahead if it leaves half of its people behind. This is why the United States believes gender equality is critical to our shared goals of prosperity, stability and peace, and why investing in women and girls worldwide is critical to US foreign policy,” Mr Kerry said.
At the event, Ms Kathure Mwendia, an alumna of a US government-sponsored Leadership Program, shared her experience as a political aspirant in the last elections.