KWALE: Seven female governors, collectively known as the G7, are urging women across Kenya to become more engaged in politics, aiming to amplify their voices as agents of national change. During a recent tour of development projects in Kwale County, these leaders emphasized the need for women to leverage their numbers to win electoral positions, with a target to increase female governors from seven to 24 in the 2027 General Election. According to Kenya News Agency, the G7 female governors-Fatuma Achani of Kwale, Gladys Wanga from Homa Bay, Susan Kihika of Nakuru, Wavinya Ndeti of Machakos, Cecily Mbarire of Embu, Anne Waiguru of Kirinyaga, and Kawira Mwangaza of Meru-are championing this cause alongside Health Cabinet Secretary Debora Barasa, Devolution Principal Secretary Teresiah Mbaika, and Council of Governors CEO Mary Mwiti. They are calling for political parties to support women in their pursuit of leadership positions, commending President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for their roles in enabling women to lead major political parties. Anne Waiguru, former chairperson of the Council of Governors, highlighted the progress made since 2013 when no female governors were elected, with numbers rising to three in 2017 and seven in 2022. Waiguru expressed optimism for further increases in 2027, attributing this to the visible impact of female governors on regional development and changing voter perceptions. The G7 aims to dismantle cultural barriers and patriarchal norms that hinder women's leadership, as stated by Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay. She emphasized the importance of women's visibility in all political arenas, from local to national offices, to enrich political discourse with diverse perspectives. Cecily Mbarire of Embu underlined the support from the ruling UDA party and the Kenya Kwanza administration for women's political engagement. She acknowledged the significance of her and Wanga's leadership roles in two major political parties as a testament to the country's progress. Host governor Fatuma Achani advocated for political parties to champion gender equality by supporting female candidates, asserting that women leaders have demonstrated their capability to enhance governance and societal well-being.