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This is why every woman should be concerned about the upcoming elections

Lady Speak

The general elections are less than a fortnight away, and with it comes a lot of trepidation, anxiety and excitement. Taking center stage are the male candidates, from the Presidential aspirants to the MCA hopefuls. But what about the women? To what extent are women recognized as active players in politics and how could political outcomes affect 24 million citizens who make up more 50% of Kenya’s population?

Women aspirants continue to be targeted with incidences of intimidation, harassment and discrimination. Women living in informal settlements feel insecure and afraid The youth and women make up the most influential demographic in this year’s election, but are the most underrepresented. Women make up 47% of registered voters and only 1,358 women are running for office The media has failed to shed a broader and critical light on the involvement of women in Kenya’s General election

Female candidates are facing challenges unlike their male counterparts: violent sexism and abuse from fellow candidates and citizens alike. As politically active citizens, they are entitled to security and to exercise their political rights without infringement.

My latest story highlights women in politics ahead of #ElectionsKE2017 @fidakenya @Domie_Kirui @womengirlshub https://t.co/o8pMKTLkuV

— Robert Kibet (@Kibet_88) July 17, 2017

 

Women should have equal opportunities. Social media posts about women in #ElectionsKE2017 are sadly about violence and obstacles they face.

— Sochin Ltd. (@sochinagency) July 20, 2017

And the media has not been critical enough of the treatment of women or been supportive of women aspirants either.

 

@AMWIK : stereotypes in the media hurts chances of women aspirants to compete fairly against their male counterparts #ElectionsKE2017 pic.twitter.com/DyD99HSOXZ

— UNDP Kenya (@UNDPKenya) June 14, 2017

#ElectionsKE2017 Challenges for Media Reporting on Women in Politics #BetterThanThis nw@AKU_GSMC cc @IEBCKenya @UNDPKenya @MediaCouncilK pic.twitter.com/wAY9Dv21tf

— Digital Humanitarian (@PhilipOgola) July 25, 2017

 

Women empowerment can contribute to effective social, political, economic and cultural changes that could strongly benefit Kenya.

Women and youth voters hold huge power in #Electionske2017. They must know this. Let's talk about their issues. #SochinInsights

— Sochin Ltd. (@sochinagency) July 25, 2017

 

#ElectionsKE2017 https://t.co/kkomnpBlki Discard old tradition and embrace women leadership, senator tells Kilifi voters #Kivumbi2017 pic.twitter.com/6VVN4p1J7q

— TUPO news (@NewsTupo) June 13, 2017

The protection of women and other vulnerable communities should take the highest priority

"Protection of women candidate & voters before during and after elections needs to be addressed @JBoinnet " @kenyataifa2 #ElectionsKE2017 pic.twitter.com/p5xInP0R8I

— One UN on Gender (@DaO_GEWE) June 14, 2017

 

Western leaders also believe that women holding positions of power and influence could work out for the better:

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For elections in Kenya to be credible, there needs to be inclusive participation of women.@EUinKenya Stefano A. Dejak #ElectionsKE2017 pic.twitter.com/TH2bCt5HrP

— ICJ Kenya (@ICJKenya) June 14, 2017

 

Despite the disheartening news, which are nothing new, women in Kenya are increasingly exposed to opportunities to show off their capabilities, and ordinary Kenyans equally believe women are the key to unlocking change in Kenya.

The best thing about #ElectionsKE2017 is the sight of young women taking the political fight in their hands. I hope they all make it through

— S.D. Maundu (@SDMaundu) July 23, 2017

If Devolution is important to Kenyans, then vote for women to be Governors/Deputy Governors and Senators #ElectionsKE2017

— Kenneth Ringera (@kimathi75) July 19, 2017

Support your sisters, mothers, wives and nieces in their political endeavours. Keep in mind that’s any woman can be a leader, and any woman leader you can believe in is already a significant step to effecting change. 

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