KEWOSA on campaign to improve number of women in politics

BY ABIGAEL SUM

MOMBASA, KENYA: Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA) has kicked off a drive to encourage more women to vie for political positions so as to meet the one third gender rule.

“Following the provisions of the Constitution and the Advisory Opinion of the High Court, KEWOSA intends to carry on with the campaign on progressive realization of the ? Gender requirement by year 2015,” said nominated Senetor Naisula Lesuuda.

KEWOSA indicated that there is need to establish women associations in the County Assemblies similar to KEWOSA and the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA).

The decision was arrived at following a five day workshop in Mombasa County with the theme ‘Women Leadership in Kenya.’

“KEWOSA came to Mombasa to establish what needs to be done with regard to gender matters in the counties.  Of great importance is similar outfits in the County Assemblies. We will assist County Assemblies to start such Associations,” noted Naisula.

KEWOSA will also assist women members of county assemblies to join the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians group of CPA because Kenya Parliament is a Chapter & County Assembly women need to participate in CPA activities. 

It will also inform them about other international organisations which they are eligible to join.

Those who attended the workshop include Senators Elizabeth Ongoro Masha (Chairperson), Beth Mugo, Zipporah Kittony, Judith Sijeny, Naisula Lesuuda, Liza Chelule, Godliver Omondi, (Dr.) Agnes Zani and Gertrude Emma Mbura among others.

KEWOSA will also spearhead the formation of the Kenya Former Women Parliamentarians Association (KEFOWOPA) which will consist of all former Women Parliamentarians.