Kenya praises its gender equality journey at Beijing's30 action agenda

Kenya’s delegation led by Deputy Ambassador of Kenya to China, Lynette Mwende Ndile, Harriette Chiggai, Women Rights Advisor to President William Ruto and Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage in Kenya, Anne Wang'ombe joined China in marking the Beijing+30 Action Agenda, a pivotal framework in the ongoing pursuit of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. [Courtesy]

Kenya has praised its affirmative action on gender equality at the Beijing+30 Action Agenda, marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

Deputy Ambassador of Kenya to China, Lynette Mwende Ndile, on Monday said the Beijing+30 Action Agenda is a pivotal framework in the ongoing pursuit of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. 

Ms Mwende said Kenya is the third country to host the United Nations’ conference on women in 1985 and has remained at the forefront in advancing women's rights through affirmative action and empowerment.

She stressed the importance of celebrating this milestone with China at the High-level Dialogue on delivering the Beijing+30 Action Agenda.

According to Ms Mwende, Kenya has one of the affirmative actions towards gender equity enshrined in the 2010 Constitution.

She said such affirmative actions have seen women take key roles in the fields of politics and business, among other sectors.

Her sentiments were echoed by Harriette Chiggai, Women Rights Advisor to President William Ruto, who said that economic empowerment and investment have become a key pillar in moving women from poverty and helping them become self-sustaining.

“Giving women money is not enough, we must be deliberate with teaching them how the money is used, so that they are able to elevate themselves from poverty,” said Ms Chiggai.

She said Ruto’s administration remains committed to this agenda through policies that allow industries to support women's empowerment through the MSMES.

Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage in Kenya, Anne Wang'ombe, praised the cooperation between China and Kenya, saying it has helped more women gain access to job markets.

She said China and Kenya not only partner on trade, but existing Chinese companies in Nairobi have played a critical role in encouraging some of the male-dominated fields, like the construction sector.