Repeal laws that discriminate against women, Kibaki says

By Lucianne Limo and Josephat Siror

President Kibaki launched the African Women’s Decade with a call to African governments to repeal laws that discriminate against women.

Kibaki stressed the need to enact laws that guarantee women equal access to opportunities and resources, especially land.

"Specific legislation should be enacted to enable girls inherit land and to protect the rights of widows. We must guarantee women’s property and inheritance rights," he said.

The President launched the decade at Kenyatta International Conference Centre yesterday flanked by several dignitaries. Among those who attended the occasion were Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika, Gambia Vice President Isatou Njie-Saidy, Zimbabwe Vice-President Joyce Mujuru, African Union Commission Chairman Jean Ping, and Namibia’s First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba.

Kibaki expressed optimism that the launch of the decade will usher in a new dawn for an effective, focused and re-energised programme of empowering women in Africa. He however said women cannot be empowered without education, which he said holds the key to unlocking many of the obstacles facing women and girls.

"We have introduced free primary education however, retaining and ensuring completion of education by girls is still a challenge due to drop out rates as a result of teenage pregnancies, early marriages and negative social cultural attitudes," he said.

Mutharika lauded Kenyans for passing the new Constitution through dialogue, patience and spirit of give and take. Mutharika, who is also the chairperson of the African Union, called on governments to create enabling environments for women in rural areas to access credit facilities.

Njie-Saidy asked African governments to increase resources toward gender empowerment and to ensure more women participate in decision making processes.

Mr Ping said the AU will support one main project each from the 53 countries.