A nominated member of the Garissa County Assembly has called for gender equality and elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
Ms. Fatuma Abdi said that the country needs to put in place concrete measures to promote gender equality.
Speaking during the International Women’s day celebrations held at Garissa primary school playgrounds, Ms. Abdi said that women empowerment was critical to the development of the country.
She said that women should be respected and must earn their place in the society as prescribed by the law and not through favoritism.
Ms. Abdi further urged women to seek political positions saying that women are as capable to men to hold powerful positions.
She said that traditional perceptions of women as inferior to men prevail as many people in the region uphold cultural practices.
Culture and religion have become an obstacle to women politicians as they are locked out of leadership, added the MCA.
“Women have been treated as second-class citizens and denied opportunities to vie for political positions. However, this is changing and we urge our male counterparts to support us in pushing for gender equality,” she said.
Ms. Abdi also asked the county executive to allocate more funds to the youth, women, sports, culture and gender ministry.
She said the funds will ensure that programmes geared towards promoting women and youth in the society are implemented so as to improve their well-being.
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