By Antynet Ford
The president’s advisor on women’s rights Harriette Chiggai now wants femicide treated as a serious national security issue, noting statistics on women being killed in the country is worrying.
Chiggai, who hosted a breakfast meeting for women leaders, spanning from corporate to government in readiness for a national launch of safe homes, and safe spaces for women in December, noted the trend of killing women was now translating to a woman a day, wanting the government to take decisive action against perpetrators.
While acknowledging the matter needs a societal approach, Chiggai also asked Kenyans to remain extremely vigilant of neighbors around them who would be championing atrocities meted on women, reporting these cases to relevant authorities.
“I call on each of you to rise to this moment. Let us unite to reach our target numbers; to create Safe Homes and Safe Spaces; to dignify women and girls; to inspire equal opportunities for all. The SDGs are a shared journey, and we have to accelerate gender parity so that we reduce the 139 years to reach equality.” Chiggai stated.
Consequently, the president’s advisor on security Ambassador Monica Juma says there is a clear need for the formulation of laws and policies that protect women, acknowledging a rampant wave of violence, either online or physical on women.
President’s advisor on women’s rights says that during the 16 days of activism, her office would work closely with relevant institutions to develop clear guidelines for women’s protection.
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This included putting together resources to capacitate gender desks at police stations and health institutions and reporting and following up on gender-based violence cases.
National Assembly deputy speaker and Uasin Gishu woman representative Gladys Boss Shollei stated that women, across the spectrum, protected and given safe spaces to perform duties and thrive in business at whatever level they are.
A national campaign on safe homes and safe spaces is set to be launched in early December in Kakamega, targeting Bodaboda riders as it rolls out countrywide.
The idea behind safe homes and safe spaces presents an opportunity for women to thrive in whatever space they are without the thought of being harmed or looked down upon.
There is a clarion call to have more women join leadership positions with Shollei calling for the shaming of government institutions not giving women leadership or middle-level positions
