- Tuesday, 01. August 2017 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm Save in my calendar
Beyond ‘Nane Nane’ (8.8.2017): Reflections on the Election Season and the Way Forward
Tuesday 1st August, 2017 | Alliance Française | 4.30 pm - 6.30 pm | Free Entry
Recently, the Daily Nation reported that; women occupy 26 percent of President Kenyatta’s cabinet, and 37 percent are principal secretaries. The report also noted that the judiciary, stands at 39 percent. With a cursory glance, one could argue that the numbers seem progressive, that is, if we momentarily turn a blind eye to the great strides (of inclusion of women in politics) made by neighbouring countries like Rwanda. Yet, if more critical scrutiny were applied to unpack these percentages – without even arguing that overall, we still have a dismal performance regarding the two third gender rule; it would be evident that little progress is being made in as far as inclusion and engendering of democracy is concerned.
To begin with, there is much conversation around inclusion of women in politics-yet little of this conversation talks about the intersections of barriers/categories that hinder some women-while simultaneously allowing others the opportunity to actively engage in politics. Take for example the exclusion of: young women, women with little/formal education, or poor women with little access to resources. In Kenya, young women between the age brackets of 18-35 years make up for less than 1% of the elected female representatives. Equal representation is still a mirage. Even at the judiciary where the numbers stand at an encouraging 39%; critical scrutiny reveals the fact that a higher number of women are reflected in the lower courts as compared to the higher courts. Stats also show that only 32 per cent of the population think that implementation of provisions on inclusion of marginalised persons is a priority. If only 32% of the population think that the implementation of provisions on inclusion of marginalised persons is a priority, it is little surprise that we have made no progress on implementation of the bill. This is the situation that needs to change if we are to achieve affirmative action as outlined in the Kenyan Constitution Chapter 27, Section 81b, and equally address the striking gender gaps in political ambition.
Key discussion points:
- What immediate mechanisms should the State provide as the bare minimum to ensure security and other facilitation for women candidates/leaders?
- What are the expectations of the women leaders in their future roles in government?
- What is the general public’s expectation of future women office holders?
- What is the role of the general public, media, CSOs towards ensuring the management of expectations and accountability?
Invited Speakers:
- Hon. Senator Beatrice Elachi – Majority Whip-Senate, Senator, Republic of Kenya / Dagoretti North, MP Candidate
- Esther Muthoni Passaris, OGW. – Candidate for Nairobi Women Rep
- Prof. Patricia Kameri-Mbote – Dean, University of Nairobi, School of Law
- Hon. Elizabeth Manyala – MCA Kayole Ward
- Irungu Houghton – Associate Director, Society for International Development (SID)
Moderated by:
Renee Ngamau – Radio Host Capital FM
Format of discussion:
A panel discussion contextualizes issues to the audience. This is infused with public dialogue and Q&A where the audience engages with the panel and forum.
About Heinrich Böll Foundation
Being part of the Green political movement that has developed worldwide as a response to the traditional politics of socialism, liberalism, and conservatism, the Heinrich Böll Stiftung is a Green Political Foundation, affiliated to the German political party “Alliance ’90 / The Greens”. The regional office for East and Horn of Africa is a people-centric green think-tank, based in Nairobi since 2001. In our work, we facilitate open dialogue, undertake studies and forge partnerships with and among communities in East & Horn of Africa along the core themes of Gender, Environment, Democracy and International Dialogue.
About Governance Pillar Organization
Governance Pillar Organization (GPO) works to develop a flourishing democracy in Kenya, in which every citizen respects the rule of law and adheres to values that promote a healthy state. Particularly, the Organization is keen to enhance gender equity through good governance aided by the facilitation of training and capacity building seminars and workshops targeting women and youth as its key populations. Such efforts are aimed at creating and advancing awareness of good governance practices as stipulated in the Organization's ‘Engendering Democracy’ Program which is basically a gender programme that aims to increase women political participation.
About the Gender Forum
The Gender Forum is a monthly public dialogue convened by the Heinrich Böll Stiftung since 2001, encouraging dialogue on pertinent national social issues with a gendered lens. It brings together scholars, law- makers and implementers, civil activists, government institutions, students and the general public, aiming at sharing knowledge and inspiring gendered analysis of policy and programmes.
Sign language will be provided.
Join the conversation online via #GenderForum.
- Part of the series
- Gender Forum
- Entrance Fee
- Free