Women in Kisumu have been urged to vie for political position in the next general election.
Speaking during the celebrations to mark the International Day of Women in Kisumu, Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga said women must now take charge of the development agenda in the county by vying for political leadership if the country is to achieve 50-50 gender parity.
“Currently we are not after the two thirds gender rule as stated by the Constitution of Kenya 2010. We want equal representation across all sectors," said the deputy governor.
Ruth observed that women are not engaged when it comes political decisions.
She lauded the efforts by the county that have so far seen more women serving in various capacities in different sectors.
She said that out of the 10 county Chief Executive Committee members, four are women.
She added that three women also serve at the public service board, and also herself as the deputy governor. This, she said was an indication that women have the capacity to serve in all sectors and should not be marginalised.
She called on all women to create sustainable economic networks and register as voters for this will be a stepping stone towards achieving gender parity in Nyanza region.