From the local to the global level, women are significantly underrepresented in political participation and leadership. As such, achieving gender parity is a tall order with the UN Women estimating that it will take approximately 130 years to achieve gender equality in the highest positions of political leadership.
In a groundbreaking move towards advancing inclusive governance and economic empowerment, H.E President William Ruto joined forces with the seven women governors to officially launch the G7 Strategy.
This strategy seeks to empower and support women leaders to demonstrate efficient, transformative and strategic governance at the County level.
The launch ceremony, held on Thursday, 7th March 2024 at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, was a momentous occasion attended by government officials, development partners, civil society leaders, private sector and representatives from various sectors. The collaborative effort between the President and the seven women governors underscored a commitment to advancing women’s political participation and representation.
President Ruto, in his address, emphasized the significance of the G7 Strategy in advancing Kenya's socio-economic agenda. He highlighted the critical role of women in nation-building and stressed the need for concerted efforts to eliminate barriers hindering their full participation in various spheres of life.
"As a nation, we cannot afford to overlook the immense talent and potential that our women possess. I commit my unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality and creating an environment where every Kenyan, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our collective prosperity," said the President. The president further committed to support the passage and enactment of legislation to actualize the two-thirds gender rule that was long overdue.
The seven women Governors, echoed the President's sentiments and expressed their enthusiasm for spearheading initiatives aimed at empowering women and marginalized communities.
Governor Anne Waigiru who doubles up as the Council of Governors (CoG) Chairperson underscored the role of education and skills development in unlocking the potential of Kenyan youth, particularly young women. She affirmed, "Education is the key to unlocking opportunities and empowering individuals to realize their aspirations. Through the G7 Strategy, we are committed to expanding access to quality education and vocational training, ensuring that every young Kenyan has the tools they need to succeed."
Governor Gladys Wanga on her part emphasized the importance of collaborative governance in driving sustainable development. She stated, "The G7 Strategy marks a new era of cooperation and solidarity among leaders at both the national and regional levels. Together, we will work tirelessly to address the unique challenges faced by women and marginalized groups, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous Kenya."
The G7 Strategy encompasses a multifaceted approach to address key areas such as healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure development. Central to the initiative is the promotion of women's leadership and participation in decision-making processes at all levels of governance.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti speaking on the importance of women's leadership, remarked, "Women bring unique perspectives and insights to the table, which are essential for effective decision-making and governance. By empowering more women to take on leadership roles, we can build more inclusive and responsive institutions that serve the needs of all citizens." She encouraged women leaders to remain steadfast to their course and promises to the people.
The G7 Strategy also places a strong emphasis on economic empowerment, with initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, access to credit facilities, and market opportunities for women-led businesses.
"Empowering women economically is not only a matter of social justice but also smart economics. When women thrive, households prosper, communities flourish, and economies grow. Through targeted interventions and partnerships with the private sector, we aim to create an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to Kenya's economic prosperity," added Governor Kawira Mwangaza of Meru County.
The launch of the G7 Strategy represents a significant milestone in Kenya's journey towards gender equality and inclusive development. By harnessing the collective leadership and expertise of the President and the seven women governors, the initiative holds promise for driving positive change and creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all Kenyans.
As the nation rallies behind this historic collaboration, the G7 Strategy serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, signaling a renewed commitment to building a more just, inclusive, and prosperous society for generations to come.