The Office of the President’s Women’s Rights Advisor has launched an ambitious initiative aimed at accelerating gender equality and empowering women across the nation.
The Strategic Direction, unveiled at a high-level event attended by government officials, legislators, and advocates, sets out a roadmap to advance gender parity, eradicate gender-based violence, and increase women’s representation in leadership positions.
Hon. Harriette Chiggai, the President’s Women’s Rights Advisor addressed the attendees, emphasizing the urgency of systemic change to create a safer, more equitable future for women and girls in Kenya. “We are here to envision and ignite real, systemic change,” she stated, urging participants to commit to advancing gender equality within their areas of influence.
The initiative aims to reach 5 million women across Kenya, boosting their socio-economic power and striving to increase women’s representation in leadership roles by 40 percent. Chiggai emphasized that the collective efforts of government bodies, private sector partners, and civil society organizations are essential for achieving meaningful change.
Chiggai outlined four strategic pillars as the foundation of the office’s mandate: Women’s Economic Empowerment and Investment; Leadership and Democratic Participation; Social and Legal Justice; and Research and Data.
She underscored the importance of partnerships and urged all stakeholders to collaborate, saying, “It is not possible for the government or one partner to address all these alone.”
From left Inspector Mwala with Hon. Harriette Chiggai ,stands tall in the defense of women who are currently at great risk with the rise in GBV and femicide cases
Among the flagship initiatives launched is the Safe Homes, Safe Spaces Initiative—a national, three-year project aimed at reducing incidents of sexual and gender-based violence through education and awareness campaigns. With the disturbing rise in violence, teenage pregnancies, and early marriages, the initiative seeks to provide safe environments for women and children, with a focus on addressing gender-based violence.
Additionally, the Widows Empowerment Program will address the unique challenges widows face, especially in communities where cultural practices can lead to their marginalization. Chiggai stated, “This aligns with our vision of restoring dignity for widows and orphans.”
The Strategic Direction launch highlighted the findings of a recent report from Equal Measures 2030, which warned that without accelerated action, gender equality might not be achieved globally for another 139 years.
Addressing this stark reality, Chiggai challenged attendees to work together to expedite progress, particularly toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where 14 out of 17 goals directly relate to gender equality.
As part of the effort to create inclusive workplaces and fair representation, Chiggai encouraged leaders to remove gender bias in recruitment practices, adopt mentorship programs, and enforce strict anti-discrimination policies. She urged organizations to adopt gender-neutral communication and provide safe spaces for women to support each other.
In a call to action, Chiggai encouraged attendees to join in the commitment to gender equality, aligning their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives with government goals. “Together, we can bridge the gap, champion rights, and create safe spaces for women and children,” she declared, envisioning a Kenya where future generations will experience true gender parity.
The Strategic Direction for the Office of the President’s Women’s Rights Advisor represents a major step toward a fairer society, and a call to all Kenyans to work collectively to make gender equality a reality.
In attendance at the event were Ambassador Monica Juma, Senior Advisor to the President and Chair of the Security Council; Hon. Gladys Boss Shollei, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly; Hon. Naomi Waqo, Deputy Majority Chief Whip; Senator Catherine Mumma, and Judge Dora Chepkwony.