Why August 8 polls may diminish aspirations and ambitions of millions of girls

It is unfortunate that we do not have a female presidential aspirant for the August poll. This is a drawback to gender empowerment and may diminish the aspirations and ambitions of millions of girls.

Today, the world acknowledges the role of women in society and power. It has been proven that women can be in power and handle it well.

Africa has recorded only seven female presidents in its history, elected or interim. Despite the fact that the number of aspirants in the gubernatorial, senatorial, member of Parliament, and member of county assembly increased in some areas, there was a need for a woman aspirant as a presidential candidate to encourage the rise of women in leadership positions locally, nationally, and even internationally.

A female presidential candidate would have shown the untapped potential of women and girls in gaining greater attention in Kenya.

The presidential debate would have articulated the focus of women and their priorities in development such that even if the female presidential aspirant does not win, her manifesto can be adopted by the winning candidate. It is discouraging that the number of women vying for various positions in the Coast region in this year’s polls has dropped compared to 2013.

This should trigger alarm bells among women leaders and gender activist since it should be viewed as a step back.

Despite challenges such as a violent political atmosphere and increased cost of funding and managing campaigns, women candidates should soldier on and win many elective posts as this would give them more chances to participate in development and accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and Vision 2030.