The cabinet secretary for gender, culture, the arts, and heritage, Aisha Jumwa, has stressed the importance of addressing the deeply ingrained cultural norms and stereotypes that hinder women’s full participation in peace and security processes in the country. Jumwa said the country must continue to strengthen the capacity of women to participate in conflict prevention and resolution and also ensure that women are not only represented in peace processes but that their voices are heard, respected, and integrated into every level of decision-making. In a speech read on her behalf by the PS gender Ann Wang’ombe during the 23rd anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR1325) on women’s peace and security in Iten, the CS said women’s safety and security must be assured as they engage in these vital efforts. ‘Women’s participation is not just a matter of equality; it’s a matter of making our peace and security efforts more effective, more just, and more sustainable,’ she said. Jumwa hailed the county for launching the Elgeyo Marakwet Action Plan, saying her ministry will work with them to promote women’s participation in decision-making, provide training and support for women in conflict-affected areas, and strengthen the legal framework to protect women from violence and discrimination. Jumwa said the country had made significant progress in its commitment to the principles of UNSCR 1325, citing women who are serving in the security forces, participating in peace negotiations, and leading initiatives to combat gender-based violence, but said more still needs to be done. ‘We must recognize that full implementation of this resolution is not just a duty but an opportunity to build a more peaceful and secure world where the rights and potential of women are fully realized,’ she said. The county governor, Wisley Rotich, said his government, in its efforts to fight GBV, was preparing a policy, which will be taken to the county assembly, aimed at entrenching women in the peace process. Noting that poverty was a major contributor to GBV, the governor said his government will present a policy on wealth creation to the assembly, which will ensure that each household engages in cash crop production, dairy, or poultry keeping, aimed at reducing conflict at the household level. The county commissioner, John Korir, called on all residents to join forces in taking care of the girls during this long holiday.
Source: Kenya News Agency