Men Lead, Women Follow - The Shackles of Patriarchy across the Globe

2017 marks General Elections for France, Germany and Kenya. These elections come at a time when there is increased global interest in women and political leadership. It is against this backdrop that the Gender Forum explores the experiences of women in decision making and political processes in the three countries. In the three different contexts (Kenya, Germany and France) is it possible to have a level playing ground for political participation across gender through affirmative action and women empowerment?  Do women voters vote for women leaders? Should the focus be solely on women – aren’t the men and patriarchal structures the problem? How can and must men change to give up political privilege?

Country Specific Context

In Kenya, barriers to participation in political processes in Kenya can be attributed to retrogressive cultures, patriarchal dynamics, illiteracy and lack of education, domestic responsibilities, inadequate political will and intimidation, financial handicaps limiting women to campaign, violence against female candidates and voters and lack of effective legislative framework on actualization of gender equality.

In France, family and professional responsibilities still pose a challenge for women in France to actively participate in politics.  There also appears to be a social conditioning in women that they are not a born leader and strong women are considered “bossy”.  France’s partly conservative culture, sexism and sexual harassment remain treacherous terrains for women in politics. And the situation may be harder for women from immigrant backgrounds. The creation of a Ministry on family, children and women’s rights opened up a heated debate with feminists criticizing the move as intending to relegate women to the domestic sphere.

To date, only one female candidate Marine Le Pen of the Front National participated in the 2017 Presidential elections. Marine finally lost the elections to a man, Macron.

In Germany, politics is basically defined by “Parteiendemokratie” – a democracy dominated by political parties. The way to a political office leads solely through engagement in the parties and their male dominated hierarchies. The sexist actions and utterances create a hostile atmosphere towards women, thus discouraging them from political engagement. 

In all the three countries, patriarchy and male dominance are the common barriers to women participation in politics. This gender forum focuses the gaze on the role of patriarchy and the role of men in re-entrenching or dismantling barriers to women participation in politics.

Key discussion points:

• Patriarchy is a system that is difficult to point a finger on in isolation. How can we “see” patriarchy in the interplay of women and politics?
• What are the ways patriarchy manifests itself?
• What are some of the things men can do to help dismantle patriarchy?

Invited Speakers:  

• Okumba Miruka - Training and Development Consultant
• Shiro Mogeni - Lecturer Mount Kenya University
• Mike Wachira - ‎Deputy Director ‎ (CREAW)
• Betty Waitherero - Political Communications Strategist, Founding Partner, Bit Energy Africa Ltd
• Cyprian Nyamwamu - Foundation Director at Future of Kenya Foundation

Facilitated by:

Professor Nyokabi Kamau - Executive Director, Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST)

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 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.

HBS on Social: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Website