Kisumu, Kenya – In a significant step towards gender equality in Kenya, a public participation forum on the two-thirds gender rule was held in Kisumu County, marking a vital phase in addressing gender representation in leadership positions.
According to Kenya News Agency, former Nandi County Women Rep and lead of the Multi-Sectoral Working Group (MSWG) on the two-thirds gender principle, the Constitution guarantees equal treatment and opportunities for women and men in various sectors. Dr. Tum spoke during the forum, emphasizing the importance of public participation in shaping the policy for equitable gender representation.
The forum, held on Thursday, aimed to gather opinions from Kenyans on how to actualize the gender rule, a constitutional mandate that has remained unfulfilled for years. Dr. Tum highlighted the 2012 Supreme Court recommendation for a progressive approach to this issue. Despite the recommendation, there is still no established framework or policy for implementing the two-thirds gender rule, necessitating the formation of the MSWG.
The task force’s objective is to revise the law regarding the gender principle, facilitating its comprehensive implementation. This initiative is expected to address the underrepresentation of women, youth, people with disabilities, and marginalized communities in political and governance structures.
Dr. Tum pointed out the current shortfall in meeting the gender rule in elective and appointive positions, as per Article 27(8) of the Constitution. The article mandates that no more than two-thirds of either gender should occupy elective or appointive roles, underlining the urgency to address long-standing discrimination against these groups.
Caren Aketch, Chairperson of the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Kisumu County Chapter, echoed the sentiment, expressing disappointment over the unenforced two-thirds rule despite its potential to enhance female representation in leadership. Aketch hopes the review will tackle the barriers preventing women from assuming certain positions.
Key participants at the forum, including Kisumu-based Civil Society Organizations and CRAWN Trust, called for swift enactment of laws to foster inclusivity in leadership across all levels. The public participation exercise, covering 10 regions, will conclude with the analysis of collected data and the submission of a final report to Parliament for ratification.