Ministry Launches Gender Policies

Ministry Launches Gender Policies

Ministry Launches Gender Policies

The Ministry of Public Service and Gender on 23rd March, 2021 launched the Gender Mainstreaming Policy in Tourism, The National Policy on Gender and Development (NPGAD), The Revised National Policy on the Eradication of FGM Policy (2019), Women Economic Empowerment Strategy 2020-2025 and a Gender Based Violence Mobile Application.

The event was among the activities being carried out during the Sixty-fifth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65) that started on 15th March and will end on 29th March.

Chief Administrative Secretary for Gender, Hon. Jebii Kilimo, who presided over the virtual launch noted that the policies are instrumental in tracking and monitoring changes in women’s empowerment at both levels of Government.

She noted that the key requirement is the development of national policies that provide guidance, consistency, accountability, efficiency, clarity on achieving gender equality and women empowerment, enhancing equality and inclusivity, while outlawing discriminatory practices and actions.

“The Policy and Strategy documents and the Mobile App being launched today are well aligned with the national development agenda, the long-term development plan outlined in the Vision 2030 and the Big Four Agenda priorities,” she said.

Kirinyaga County Governor and Chairperson of the Council of Governors Committee for Gender, H.E. Anne Waiguru commended the Ministry of Public Service and Gender for demonstrating commitment towards the advancement of Gender Equality and the concerted efforts to address Gender Based Violence. She also congratulated all the stakeholders for the achievement of the policy framework aimed at gender mainstreaming.

On her part, UN Women Country Director, Ms. Anna Mutavati said the launch of the gender policies is welcome and marks a milestone for Kenya as it provides a sectoral-based national framework towards attainment of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

“These policies are aimed at creating a transformed society by deliberately addressing intersectional discrimination as a mechanism of ensuring that equitable opportunities and outcome accrue to all members of the society regardless of their circumstances,” she said.

Ms. Mutavati called for full implementation of the policies through a concerted, collaborative and complimentary efforts of both levels of government, Civil Society Organizations, the Private Sector and development partners to close the gender gaps that continue to slow down development.

According to the Global Gender Gap Report (GGGR) 2020, Kenya ranks at position 109 out of 153 countries, scoring an index of 0.671. The formulation and development of these comprehensive national policies is expected to form the basis for operationalizing effective implementation of the international commitments and the stipulated provisions of the Constitution.

Principal Secretary for Gender, Prof. Collette Suda noted that Kenya has made commendable progress towards achieving gender equality and women empowerment by enabling subsidiary legislation and institutional architecture for the realisation of the promotion of women’s rights and the affirmative action measures.

“The Government of Kenya developed and revised these key policies and developed the Women Economic Empowerment Strategy and GBV Mobile App in order to address challenges faced in addressing gender parity such as economic security, GBV and individual autonomy.” She said.

Among those in attendance at the virtual launch were IDLO Country Manager, Ms. Teresa Mugadza; Tetratech International Chief of Party, Ms. Jaki Mbogo, National Gender Equality Commission CEO, Ms. Betty Sungura – Nyabuto, Uwezo Fund Board CEO, Mr. Peter Lengapiani, Anti-FGM Board CEO, Ms. Bernadette Loloju, UNFPA Representative, Ezizgeldi Hellenov among other National and County Government Officials and representatives from development partners.

By Nelly Kosgey

Mopsyga

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