Accord both sexes equal recognition

Kenya joined the rest of the world in marking the United Nations International Day of the Girl Child yesterday. The significance of the day lies in its recognition of the rights of the girl child and advocacy for gender parity. PHOTO: COURTESY

Kenya joined the rest of the world in marking the United Nations International Day of the Girl Child yesterday. The significance of the day lies in its recognition of the rights of the girl child and advocacy for gender parity.

Over centuries, customs and cultures disadvantaged women right from birth. For generations, women received lesser treatment than men and often were not considered for things like inheritance. Similarly their educational needs were of secondary importance in relation to that of men. That has changed now.

New constitutional dispensations and agitation by female right activists managed to secure requisite human rights and gave the girl child greater recognition. Today, women in society are more educated and enjoy greater freedoms and rights than before.

Specifically, Kenya has enacted several laws that protect the interests of women. These laws include The Victims Act, The Marriage Act, Matrimonial Properties Act and Treaty Making and Ratification Act, among many others.

Though still wanting, there is greater female representation in Parliament and managerial positions than there was ten years ago. This is something to be proud of since the recognition of women and their very positive, often selfless contribution to nation building, is bearing fruit.

Needless to say however, these rights have not fully been realised, and the best example is that of the two-thirds gender representation in elective posts. Here, male legislators have been a big let-down by refusing to play ball.

But as good as recognising the girl child has been, it has come with its own downside. Too much attention has been paid to the girl child that the boy child has been completely ignored. The roles have been reversed and boys are experiencing neglect.

There is need for policy makers and parents to maintain a balance to ensure no side feels disadvantaged.