Makueni Deputy Governor (DG) Lucy Mulili has called for concerted efforts from the political class and the civil society groups to ensure gender equality and empowerment for women and girls in the country.
Mulili said there was a need to advance women and girls rights by eliminating all forms of violence, discrimination and exploitation among them.
The DG said promotion of gender equality will only be achieved by addressing systemic barriers including dismantling of patriarchal practices and entrenched inequalities, thus elevating the voices of the marginalized women and girls to ensure inclusivity and empowerment.
Mulili further said deliberate efforts must be made to ease women and girl access to education, employment, leadership and decision-making spaces.
Addressing members of the public at Siembeni in Kibwezi West Sub County during celebrations to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, the DG emphasized the need for the leaders in their various political positions to champion women’s rights with a view to attaining gender equity in the country.
Mulili also observed that this year’s theme for the celebrations aligns to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) that aims at eliminating discrimination, violence, and harmful practices against women and girls, while promoting their equal participation in all aspects of life.
At the same time, she noted that Makueni has made strides in advancing gender equity through key policies including the Makueni County Gender Policy, Children Policy, Disability Policy, Social Protection Policy, Ultra-Poor Graduation Policy and the Gender-Based Violence Policy, among others.
Speaking at the same event, Makueni County Women Representative Rose Museo called on all leaders to partner with civil society organizations and the media to take action at the community level and invest in promoting women and girl rights in the area.
“I call upon the media, elected and corporate leaders, civil society, youth and all other actors of influence to take action in our communities and invest in promoting women’s rights and gender equality,” Museo said.
Also in attendance was Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, alongside MCAs Brian Nzioka (Masongaleni) and Francis Mulwa (Mtito-Andei), among other dignitaries.
By Albanus Kioko
