Men have been called on to be more involved in their parenting roles.
At a ladies meeting at Kihoto area in Naivasha, women leaders argued that majority of the men had boycotted their roles of raising children leaving them to the women.
Maendeleo ya Wanawake Naivasha Branch Esther Nyokabi cited that men were no longer providing for their basic necessities including food and shelter.
“It is unfortunate that most men are not responsible and leave their families to fate. Many children do not have food to eat yet their fathers do not care,” she cited.
Nominated Member of County Assembly Esther Njeri Magere cited that the children also need moral and emotional support.
“We have many absentee fathers who only come home to sleep. A child cannot be able to interact well or seek any advice from the father as he is normally unavailable. Yet, studies show that the children need the love and attachment from their fathers,” she added.
Naivasha Women for Peace Coordinator Purity Wanjira argued that the men should also be at the delivery room to provide moral support during childbirth.
“It is important for them to know that they also play a major role in the child’s entry into the world. That support is much needed and it will help them become closer to the child,” she added.