Kisumu activists now say women are not vibrant in politics because of violence and propaganda.
Speaking during the International Day of Women held in Kisumu, Atieno Otieno the Chairperson of Maendeleo ya Wanawake said that it is that time that women stopped being apologetic for making stern decisions in politics.
Ms Otieno who vied for the Kisumu County governor position during the 2013 general elections said women have to showcase their worth since no one will give them leadership on a silver platter.
“What is ailing women leadership in this country is the syndrome that only men can lead. Who said to be a governor in this county you must be a man?” she asked.
Caren Omanga the chair person of Nyabende Support Programs said the constitutional provision of the two third gender rules will be a dream if violence against women during electioneering periods prevails.
“Women are not very vibrant in politics because parties want men to be elected but women nominated,” said Mrs Omanga
She noted that the county has many women who are nominated as compared to those who are directly elected
Margaret Omondi the Director of Women Concern Centre in Kisumu shared in the sentiments stating that women are beneficiaries of devolution but the county is yet to realize gender equality.
“Women have a right to leadership yet when nominated into political offices we are told we are given for free. Men have been nominated into these offices yet no one talks about them, “said Mrs Omondi.
She said cases of gender based violence (GBV) have been on the increase yet the county government has not done much to domesticate county specific laws on the prevention and management of (GBV).
“Even though the county is one of the first to pass a motion on the establishment of rescue centres for the survivors of gender based violence Christine Atieno Otieno, that is yet to be implemented, “said Mrs Omondi.
She cited a case in which a female MCA in the county was assaulted by a male counterpart in the floor of the County Assembly. She said these points to a total disregard of the rights of women in leadership.