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TOKYO, JAPAN: First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and Mrs Akie Abe held lengthy discussions Friday where they shared experiences and challenges facing their two countries.
Mrs. Abe is the spouse of Japanese Prime Minister Mr. Shinzo Abe.
The First Lady and Mrs. Abe discussed various issues ranging from health, education, women in leadership, the challenges of poaching in both countries and the Beyond Zero initiative.
While the First Lady explained the efforts the Government was using to protect her animals especially the elephants and the rhinos, Mrs. Abe said Japan has to contend with its own poachers who steal and sell turtle eggs.
The two agreed that the current agitation and campaigns for recognition by women across the world is not meant to replace men from their patriarchal traditional positions but to create gender parity and enable participation of women in society and its leadership.
The First Lady explained Kenya’s commitment to implement its new constitution (2010)which guarantees the one-third gender rule in all elective and appointive positions.
She also explained to Mrs. Abe that 30 per cent of all public procurement are reserved for women and the youth in Kenya.
The First Lady said women in Kenya continue to assume important leadership and managerial positions previously dominated by men.
Mrs Abe explained that Kenya may be ahead in the third-gender rule saying Japan has not achieved the 30 per cent arrangement in representation in government but “our society is changing slowly”.
She said the Japanese society is currently dominated by men.
On HIV and Aids Mrs. Abe said the issues of discrimination and stigma are not unique to Africa adding that even in Japan, the same issues frustrate the war against the scourge where people fear volunteering themselves for testing.
“It is difficult to go for testing even here in Japan. People fear the tests due to discrimination”, said Mrs Abe.
The First Lady said the Beyond Zero mobile clinics have become an important component in the war against HIV/Aids because they are used as additional centres for testing against the scourge and drug distribution centres.
“The Beyond Zero initiative is really great. We all admire your efforts”, said Mrs. Abe adding that the First Lady’s resilience in running marathons to raise funds is really a big sacrifice.
“I really admire your efforts in raising funds”, said Mrs. Abe who admitted she currently does not have the energy to finish a marathon unlike in the past.
Mrs. Abe said she looks forward to visit Kenya with her husband in the future and one of their first stops would be in one of the national parks to appreciate the wildlife.
The First Lady is in Japan to attend the World Assembly for women and launch the 3rd edition of the First Lady’s marathon scheduled for March 2016.
She is scheduled to hold further bilateral talks with Mr. Abe. The First Lady has already met and discussed various issues with Japanese International Co-operation Agency President Dr. Akihiko Tanaka.
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