Women leaders push for gender inclusion in BBI

Women leaders in support of the Building Bridges Initiative are pushing for the greater inclusion of women in leadership.

The women led by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru yesterday held talks with Baringo Senator and Kanu chairman Gideon Moi as the country gears up to receive the final BBI report. 

Other leaders included Nyeri Deputy Governor Caroline Karugu, Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga, former Nyeri Woman Rep Priscilla Nyokabi, Samburu Woman Rep Maison Leshomo, Wajir Woman Rep Fatuma Gedi, former Nairobi Speaker Beatrice Elachi, Kiambu Woman Rep Gathoni Wamuchomba and Baringo Woman Rep Gladwell Cheruiyot.

Waiguru said they are concerned about the space of women in leadership and the two-thirds gender rule in all spheres of governance, including the private sector.

The leaders asked that their issues be addressed.

Better health

They said issues such as provision of water and better health care must form part of the conversation around BBI.

The Kirinyaga governor said there is a need to ensure food security and equitable distribution of resources. 

“The situation we have had recently, like the process of finding a revenue sharing formula and stalemate experienced, shouldn’t happen because people who end up suffering as we have seen lately are women. They are the ones at the forefront of care-giving in terms of health but also the ones who need it the most, especially prenatal and postnatal. Those were the issues we were discussing,” said the governor. 

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko said the BBI will bring peace and unite Kenyans, noting that just like the 2010 Constitution, some people will oppose it.

“We are here to ensure even Senator Gideon will stand and defend rights of women in leadership, youth and persons with disability,” said Mboko.

The delegation called on leaders to maintain peace and avoid divisive politics.

Baringo Woman Representative Gladwell Cheruiyot said Rift Valley is against utterances made by leaders showing disrespect to women.

Her Kiambu counterpart Gathoni Wamuchomba said they were happy to have met with the senator.

Senator Gideon said he was confident the BBI will uplift the standards of women. 

He noted that the women were a coalition of like-minded leaders.

The Kanu chairperson assured the leaders of his support and that of the party. 

He said BBI is important as it will bring inclusivity and change people's lives.

He said they are waiting for the green light to enable them to go out and explain to Kenyans how BBI will help them.

“BBI will uplift the standards, I have assured them of my personal support and that of the party,” Gideon said.