Stakeholders Convene to Deliberate on New Gender Policy and Kenya National Action Plan II
On Thursday, key stakeholders gathered for a significant engagement meeting focused on developing a new gender policy for Uasin Gishu County and aligning it with Kenya’s National Action Plan II.
The meeting featured prominent figures from the government, civil society, and community leadership.
County Executive Committee Member for Education, Vocational Training, Gender, Social Protection, and Culture, Anthony Sitienei, expressed optimism about the gender policy’s potential impact. “We are confident that this policy will address critical gaps in our education system, social services, and economic development,” Sitienei stated. He emphasized that the policy aims to align with the Constitution and foster comprehensive societal advancement.
Patrick Kimeli, the MCA for Moi’s Bridge and Chair of the Uasin Gishu County Assembly Committee for Labour, Social Protection, and Gender, highlighted the policy’s objectives in tackling community challenges. “This document aims to address pressing issues such as teenage pregnancies and will strengthen leadership at both grassroots and county levels,” Kimeli said. He urged the stakeholders to support the full implementation of the policy once it is passed into law.
Sally Wuodi, Executive Director of Rural Women Peace Link, praised the collaborative effort behind the policy. “In partnership with the CSO network and the Department of Gender, we have developed a document that will enhance the implementation of gender equality measures,” Wuodi noted. She outlined that the policy focuses on engaging men in discussions on gender equality and addressing women’s representation in decision-making processes while also aiming to prevent gender-based violence.
Ian Kisorio, Program Manager for Reprodrive, encouraged youth involvement in policy discussions. “We hope the policy will tackle issues like early pregnancies and empower women in the community,” Kisorio remarked. Nolly Maru, a local youth representative, added that the policy’s inclusivity will benefit both women and men.
The event also featured a presentation of the Zero Draft Policy by Chryspin Afifu, the lead consultant for the policy’s development. The presentation was attended by key figures from the county’s legislative arm, including Deputy Speaker Sarah Malel, Chief Officer for Gender Eunice Suter, and Director for Gender and Community Development Joywin Sang.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of the policy for future societal improvements and a commitment to its swift passage and effective implementation.
The draft gender policy, a component of Kenya’s adherence to the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security, aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable society in Uasin Gishu County.
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