By PETER ORENGO

The UN has commended Kenya for achievements in securing women’s rights and opportunities.

The UN said current reforms would empower more women in decision-making.

Whereas there are many examples of progress partly due to determined efforts of the civil society, much more still needs to be done, says the UN.

Speaking at the UN headquarters yesterday, as the world marked the International Women’s Day, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, in a speech read on his behalf by Unep Executive Director Achim Steiner, stressed the need for equality for women and girls in society.

"Most girls receive education, particularly at primary level. And more women are more likely to run business or participate in Government," said the UN Secretary-General.

Steiner said a growing number of countries, including Kenya, had put up legislations that support sexual and reproductive health and promote gender equity.

The UN said maternal mortality, which is still high because few women have access to family planning and violence against women remain a cause for global shame.

UN Resident and Humanitarian Co-ordinator to Kenya Aeneas Chuma praised Kenya for its progress in domesticating numerous international and regional human rights conventions that it had ratified.

But he said despite enactment of the laws, women still bear the brunt of discrimination, poverty, HIV/Aids and harmful traditional practices.