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Thursday, 27. October 2016 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm Save in my calendar

Gender Forum: Women in Politics

Thursday 27th October 2016 | PAWA 254 building | 4:00pm - 6:30pm | Free entry to all audiences

Some progress has been towards gender equality, but, it is not time to pop the champagne-at least not yet. Women still struggle to access leadership positions; in large part because of socio-cultural settings that shape the role of women and men. In most societies, women have traditionally been assigned roles in the private space, whereas men have been assigned roles in the public space. Kenya has made some steps to achieve gender equality in leadership. These attempts are illustratable in its continued commitment to the elimination of discrimination through supporting several national and international gender declarations and conventions. Among these are the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (1948), Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) (1979), Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) (1989), Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995), Jomtien World Conference (1990), Dakar Framework for Action on Education for all (2000), Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Goals of The African Union (Ministry of Education, 2007).

Certainly, all these documents reiterate the need to eliminate all forms of discrimination, enhance the right to education, and promote gender equality, gender inclusion and empowerment. Despite these attempts, women still fall below 50% of leaders in public and private institutions-politics included.

More recently, a study commissioned by HBF in 2010 revealed that women have performed dismally, generally in leadership positions and more specifically in political positions. The study observes that Kenya has some unique aspects that continue to keep the numbers of women in politics low, such as lack of an affirmative action law, and the gender insensitive male political culture, which continues to dominate key social and political institutions. This observation can be corroborated by the current challenges surrounding implementation of the two thirds gender bill.

The goal of this forum is to bring together key women who have faced specific challenges in respective leadership positions. In the lead up to the upcoming elections, it is important to engage in the challenges faced by women, so as to push for affirmative action for women leadership.

Key discussion points:

  • What are some of the measures being put in place to enhance women leadership-specifically in politics?
  • What are some of the challenges that women face in leadership and in politics?
  • What can be improved to enhance space for women participation in leadership positions and in politics?

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 the 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 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.

Join the conversation online via #GenderForum.

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Part of the series
Gender Forum
Entrance Fee
Free