KIWANJA NDEGE, LAIKIPIA COUNTY — During the International Women’s Day celebrations in Kiwanja Ndege, Laikipia County, leaders emphasized the crucial role of women’s inclusivity in leadership for eradicating harmful cultural practices in pastoral communities. The 2010 constitution was praised for its contribution to entrenching women in leadership roles, marking significant progress in areas previously dominated by men.
According to Kenya News Agency, the inclusion of women in decision-making positions has led to noteworthy advancements, especially in the management of natural resources. For instance, in the community land committees, women now occupy at least five of the fifteen seats, a domain that was exclusively male before the enactment of the 2010 constitution. Peninah Kisio, a resident of Laikipia North, highlighted the transformative impact of this inclusion, noting that women have gained automatic membership in community land registers upon marriage, a stark contrast to previous practices.
Leadership roles have empowered women to guide their communities towards developmental decisions, including diversification into income-generating activities such as beekeeping, chicken rearing, and farming. These ventures support families and contribute to community growth. Lydia Wangui, a local bee farmer, shared her success story, illustrating how women-led organizations in the county have propelled economic empowerment. Beekeeping, in particular, has enabled women to support their children’s education and combat domestic violence.
However, Wangui also pointed out the challenges, noting that bee farming was predominantly a male sector, with many women initially hesitant to engage. The shift towards women’s participation reflects broader changes in societal attitudes and opportunities.
Laikipia County’s Executive Committee Member in charge of education, Stephen Kisorio, addressed the issue of female genital mutilation (FGM), urging men to reject the practice by refusing to marry women who have undergone FGM. This stance aims to diminish the prevalence of such harmful practices in pastoral areas, advocating for the protection of children and the leadership of men in promoting gender equality.
The International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8 annually, focused this year on “investing in women: Accelerate progress.” The theme aims to raise awareness about gender equality and the well-being of women for socio-economic sustainability. In Laikipia, the event drew participation from over 600 people and received support from UN Women among other partners, underscoring the collective commitment to advancing women’s rights and opportunities in the region.