Patriarchy is not new! It plagues even mature democracies in the world. A woman would be sitting at the apex of power in the one of the world’s super powers but patriarchy. Given, there are reasons why a woman running for political office might not win an election, however patriarchy still tops that list. In Kenya, we have tried to bridge the gender divide in representation of women in both appointive and elective positions through various legislation. Including, the Two thirds gender bill, that has been intentionally aided to fall severally. However, there’s a new pandemic for young women in power, manufactured to ensure that they are scared from rising, voicing their opinions and leading as per their constitutional mandates.
Who is behind this onslaught on young women in power? Last week, a nominated member of senate, a young woman, was allegedly at risk of being stripped and attacked during a parliamentary group meeting. Months before that, an elected woman member of national assembly, attacked and hospitalized. Before that, another nominated senator fighting to keep her job in senate because of allegations she tabled on sexual harassment. These unabated cycles of violence are intentional, curtailing the participation of young women in politics.
To paint a vivid picture, in the 2022 general election, we only elected a record 20 women under 35 years of age. These were five women members of national assembly, one member of national assembly and fourteen members of county assembly in the entire country. This, while we boast of a youth bulge and more than 50% of the female demographic in Kenya according to KNBS. The CoK in Article 27(3) states; women and men have the right to equal treatment, including the right to equal opportunities in political, economic, cultural and social spheres. The playing field has never been level, however this new plot to force young women out from the corridors of power must be condemned. One woman leader less, elected or nominated, is pain we should not allow Kenyans to feel.
How do we salvage our country and its potential? We take seriously the election offenses act. Our campaign trails are murky and serve as breeding grounds for the culture of violence. It is these that derail peace processes every election cycle. On the other hand, for women in positions of political authority, the violence begins in online spaces and finally catches up with them in person. Thus people need to be held accountable & persecuted for their online activity, where there are infringement of rights. Lastly, we must, protect the gains that have already been made by women. Gender is not a women issue, it is the difference between good or bad quality of life socially, economically and politically.
