Participate in law reforms debate, leaders implore women

From right to left: Nominated MCA Nereah Oketch, ODM women leader in Homa Bay county Ruth Ojuka, Former Karachuonyo MP Phoebe Asiyo and Ex-Nominated MCA Mary Ouma during the sensitization forum on women leadership in Karachuonyo. [James Omoro, Standard]

Women have been challenged to debate the proposed constitutional amendments so as to champion for their interests and stake in the country’s leadership.

Former Karachuonyo MP Phoebe Asiyo and nominated MCA Nereah Oketch implored the women to propose to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) team, policies which may improve their wellbeing.

The two were speaking at a two-day sensitization forum on women leadership organized by Ms Okech with the support of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives at Mango Tree Farmers Co-operative Society offices in Karachuonyo Constituency.

Mrs Asiyo said the BBI report will not enable economic prosperity if it excludes the interests of women.

“I want women in this country to know that Kenya cannot achieve the desired economic prosperity if the interest of one gender is not catered for in the constitution,” she said.

She averred that the only way to incorporate the interest of women in the expected draft constitution is to read and understand the BBI report.

“I want women to read the BBI report, understand it and give recommendations for amendment on where there are loopholes which will hinder our economic, political and social wellbeing,” the former MP said.

On her part, Mrs Oketch, also known as Miss President - a tittle she won during a recent KTN reality show, argued that time had come for women to be granted an opportunity to be on the decision-making table through the Constitution.

 “There would be no proper economic development in this country if women are left out on the decision-making table.  The best way of achieving this is proper participation in the amendment of the BBI report,” said Oketch.

Miss President said she had started an initiative of traversing the country to sensitize women on how their interests can be captured in the final report.

Former Homa Bay nominated MCA Mary Ouma and ODM women leader in Homa Bay County Ruth Ojuka said the time had come for women to contest elective seats.

 “Women should be given conducive atmosphere through the constitution to enable them to ascend to elective posts,” Ms Ouma said.