Ruth Oyier, the National Council for Persons with Disability (NCPWD) director in Vihiga County, has urged stakeholders to ensure that the debate on male engagement and inclusion gives special attention to persons with disabilities.
Oyier, who is Deaf, said that persons with disabilities, especially the Deaf, are often more vulnerable to gender-based violence (GBV) and other forms of discrimination.
She also said that persons with disabilities should be given equal opportunities in all socioeconomic empowerment programs.
Tom Onzere, a Community-Based Organization (CBO) representative, stated that the pursuit of gender equality and inclusivity should be conducted to improve the weak points without jeopardizing the gains so far.
The call for more attention to persons with disabilities in the male engagement and inclusion debate follows Vihiga County Commissioner Felix Watakila’s remarks where he lauded the National Government for moving to rectify a situation where females are being given priority in being empowered, leaving the male gender disadvantaged.
Watakila pointed out that the early proponents of women’s empowerment applied the feminist ideology that saw resources and opportunities directed towards the female gender and in the long run the males have now been marginalized.
The CC, who spoke during the meeting to constitute the County male engagement and inclusion committee, said the time was ripe for the agitation for male inclusion in socioeconomic empowerment campaigns.
SOURCE: KNA