In the past years, women have struggled to find acceptance when it comes to leadership positions because of societal expectations and stereotypes.
However, in recent years, women have made efforts and are now occupying several formerly male-dominated positions and are excelling in those roles.
The year 2022 is a historic year for our country because of several reasons one being that its a year we are heading to the ballot, and the second and most recognizable part is that, it is likely to be the year when the country has the highest number of female candidates picked by the mainstream parties.
This is a commendable move by our political leaders because it’s one way of breaking the barriers, changing these vices calls for conscious efforts.
According to a report published by the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Kenya), the 2017 election saw more women rise to power.
For the first time in Kenya’s history, women were elected to serve as governors and senators, and 29 percent more women ran for office than in the previous elections.
Although Kenya’s constitution mandates that all appointed and elected bodies contain at least one-third women, women’s actual representation often fails to meet this approach.
Breaking down the barriers that prevent women from pursuing public leadership is key to establishing a more representative democracy in Kenya.
Kenyans lauded the Azimio One Kenya Coalition Presidential candidate for choosing honorable Martha Karua as his running mate, they are hopeful that they will soon have a female president.
Other great women leaders vying for big seats include UDA’s Anne Waiguru of Kirinyaga, Susan Kihika of Nakuru, Aisha Jumwa in Kilifi, Glady’s Wanga of Homabay, and Wavinya Ndeti of Machakos.
Several other male leaders including governors have appointed women to deputize them as women’s leagues in the country push for an equal representation in the next government.
This election has attracted more women candidates, let’s create room for our women.