This renewed push comes amid past challenges in implementing the two-thirds gender rule, with multiple attempts, including through the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), facing setbacks.
Members of the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association have agreed to adopt a bipartisan approach in their renewed effort to secure the elusive two-thirds gender requirement in both Houses of Parliament.
The resolution was reached during a meeting convened by KEWOPA, where a joint position was developed for presentation to the Multi-Sectoral Working Group on the Two-Thirds Gender Principle.
During the meeting, the women leaders led by Gilgil MP Martha Wangari emphasized the need for unity among female lawmakers, transcending party affiliations, to ensure the passage of the gender principle in Parliament.
“As women leaders, it is incumbent upon us to show leadership and spearhead the campaign for the passage of the Two-Thirds Gender Rule. We succeed only if we work together and speak in one voice,” Wangari said.
Machakos MP Joyce Kamene and her Trans-Nzoia counterpart Lillian Siyoi echoed the sentiments, acknowledging the current political goodwill.
They noted that the reintroduction of a new Bill on the matter to Parliament, would lead to a resolution on the matter. Kamene emphasized the importance of public and stakeholder sensitization.
“It should also be known that the two-thirds gender principle is not about women but all genders,” Kamene noted. “What we need to do is lobby our male counterparts and various stakeholders and partners. It will pass because we have the goodwill and support of the Government and even that of the leadership of our major parties,” Siyoi added.
This renewed push comes amid past challenges in implementing the two-thirds gender rule, with multiple attempts, including through the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), facing setbacks.
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