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Women demand equality in leadership as Kenya marks International Women’s Day

Women in Mombasa county celebrating the International Womens Day
By Peter Kombe

Women in Mombasa County have demanded for an equal share in leadership positions as Kenya celebrates the International Women’s Day.

The women drawn from various institutions, including the civil society and the national assembly say the there is a need for the government to look into the affairs of women throughout the country.

Likoni Member of Parliament Mishi Mboko argues that the two third gender rule is constitutional and should be implemented to the latter.

She discloses that the twelfth parliament does not meet the two third gender rule as enshrined in the 2010 constitution.

“Our national assembly has not heeded the two third gender rule. We shall stand up as women and fight for what is our rightful share” Mishi noted

Speaking during the International women’s day celebration in Mombasa on Friday the legislator said however said the number of women representatives has risen compared to yester years.

On the issue of gender violence against women the legislator says there is a need for the government to intervene.

“There is a need for the government to come to our rescue. This is alarming. Every day is a day of sorrow for our women” she insisted

She added that women often fall victims of gender based violence.

Mean while, Salma Hemed, HAKI Africa gender activist says GBV has become rampant in various parts of the Coast region.

She noted that women should be treated with dignity.

“GBV has become rampant in Mombasa and the Coast region. Every single day is a day of sorrow for women” she said

The human rights activist called on the government to take stiff measures to men who batter their wives.

Meanwhile, a woman who sought anonymity disclosed that she was violently mistreated by her ex- husband.

She says she got serious injuries leading to excessive bleeding.

“I was violently mistreated by my ex-husband. I was beaten to unconsciousness” the woman said tearfully

As she narrates her fate tears are dripping down her cheeks.

Federation of Women lawyers Kenya Coast Chapter Caroline Mboku says women rights are not a question of debate.

She points out that there is a need for women to fight for their rights as stipulated in the constitution.

“The rights of women are not even a question of debate. Everything is in the constitution” she noted

The Friends of FIDA lawyer also noted that FIDA has successfully championed over 70 per cent of the cases brought their attention.

Mboku however is of the opinion that today’s women are currently empowered and informed compared to yester years.

“Women are now informed unlike yester years” she explained noted

The world on Friday marked the International Women’s Day.


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