KEY NOTE ADDRESS BY SICILY K. KANINI KARIUKI (MRS), MBS, CBS, CABINET SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SERVICE, YOUTH AND GENDER AFFAIRS DURING THE NATIONAL GENDER EQUALITY COMMISSION S EVENT TO MARK THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN S DAY, MARCH 7, 2016 Governor, Kericho County Hon. Prof. Paul Chepkwony Chairperson, KEWOPA Hon. Cecily Mbarire Chairperson, NGEC Comm. Winfred Lichuma Principal Secretary, Gender Affairs Zeinab Hussein 1
UN Women, Country Director Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen Zebib Kavuma Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to join you on this auspicious occasion of International Women s Day 2016, whose theme is Pledge for Parity. 2
At the onset, I wish to commend National Gender Equality Commission for organizing this forum to discuss the strategies for creating a grass root movement of champions of equality and inclusion. I am informed in attendance today are, forty seven (47) county executives, forty seven (47) grass root champions, representatives of development partners, non State actors, government agencies and the wider communities, who will today learn and dialogue on the minimum standards of equality. 3
The year 2016 mark important milestones in the continental and global women s agenda for gender equality and women empowerment. Among others continentally, it is the beginning of the second phase of the African Women s Decade 2010-2020, it commemorates 36 years since the adoption of CEDAW, described as the international bill of rights for women, and the 21st anniversary of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the key global policy on gender equality. 4
It is also the year that the AU has declared as African Year of Human Rights, in particular, with focus on the Rights of Women. Kenya recognizes that these Global and Regional frameworks have been a major force in contributing to the advances made by countries towards the realization of equality between women and men. Ladies and Gentlemen, For many years, there have existed huge gender gaps in leadership, especially in political leadership where women face several barriers 5
such as cultural beliefs, nature of our political parties and election based violence targeted at women. This has denied a critical constituency of the population the opportunity to participate in key decision making processes and this in turn has led to systematic discrimination and marginalization. It is therefore our responsibility, all of us, to close these gaps. 6
Ladies and Gentlemen On its part, the Government is committed to gender equality and the empowerment of women as entrenched in our Constitution which has been lauded as the progressive, comprehensive and all-encompassing document with many gains for women. The Constitution specifically guarantees our Country s commitment to gender equality through provisions that counter fundamental 7
freedoms of women that were a hallmark of the old constitutional order. The Constitution recognizes economic and social rights including the right to property, housing, a clean environment, health and education among others. The Constitution has a strong focus on gender equality, a much improved right to non-discrimination in public appointive and elective 8
positions has helped to improve the visibility of women in public leadership and decision-making organs. And of greater importance and in line with today s focus, the Constitution guarantees equitable representation which is anchored in the two-thirds gender principle. 9
Ladies and Gentlemen, To achieve this, the Government has taken several measures to promote gender equality and empowerment. His Excellency, the President in his recent reorganization of Government established a more visible and strengthened a national gender affairs, State Department in Gender Affairs in the new Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs which is under the Presidency. 10
On Women and Economic Empowerment, an area which is fundamental to the economic growth of any country, the government has earnestly embarked on life changing initiatives by providing catalytic funds to women through a Women Enterprise Fund (WEF), a Youth Enterprise Fund (YEF), as well as UWEZO (Ability) Fund; equivalent to USD 220 million per annum for women and youth. The Government has also introduced the 30% Public Procurement Preference and Reservations for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. 11
On Enhancing Women s Leadership in Decision making, the Government has taken measures to ensure women s equal access to and full participation in power structures and decision-making. This is evident in the three arms of Government: Parliament, Judiciary and Executive. As a result of the application of the Affirmative Action Principle in the Constitution, today women make 21.5% in Parliament, up from 9.9% in 2007. This is the highest number in the history of Kenya. 12
But we are not yet there. We are still yet to meet the provisions of the no more than two thirds gender rule. Ladies and Gentlemen, It is therefore important that the necessary legal frameworks to ensure compliance with the principles of equality and inclusion are put in place. I note that several proposals for the realization of the not more than two thirds gender principle in political representation 13
have been mooted by various advocacy groups. We now have three (3) bills in parliament awaiting debate. Indeed as this year s theme reads, Pledge for Parity : I urge all parties involved to agree on a practical and legally sound formula in order to break the stalemate and avoid a constitutional crisis. I urge our Members of Parliament to accord this matter priority and utmost sobriety cognizant of the fact that the nation has to deliver as one without leaving anyone behind. 14
I urge our County Executives and grassroot champion to take up your roles after this meeting to adequately plan, budget and nurture the implementation of affirmative action. We count on you as champions to take the message to where the women are: in your own neighbourhoods, communities and in the Counties. I urge all of us, to find the common thread that weaves us together as a cohesive unit working for an equitable society. 15
Ladies and Gentlemen, The full implementation of the affirmative action principle in line with Article 27 (8) of the Constitution will go a long way in ensuring full realization of gender equality in Kenya. A prosperous Kenya will only be possible if men, women, youth, persons with disabilities, the elderly, minority and marginalized groups come into sustainable partnership for growth. 16
As a government, we commit to deliver our pledge to support this process to a fruitful conclusion. Join me in committing to take action to realize gender parity in all spheres. I wish all the women here today and in Kenya, a happy International Women s Day. Thank you and God bless us all. 17