Gender
The Muslim for Human Rights (MUHURI) is now pushing for the integration of women in leadership and decision making in Garissa and the larger North Eastern. Many circumstances hinder women’s ability in the region to engage equally with men in leadership roles and also engage in the decision-making activities.
One significant reason is the prevalent patriarchal nature of the Somali community, which prioritises male leadership over that of a woman. It is for this reason that MUHURI, through the Electoral Conflicts Mitigation and Civic Education Support (ECCES) Programme, conducted a women’s civic education forum to inform women about their legal rights and opportunities for involvement.
Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting that was held at a Garissa hotel Abdishukri Jelle, Garissa County MUHURI coordinator said the initiative aims to empower women to contribute their perspectives and inputs within the framework of the law.
“Women in Garissa and the larger pastoralist community carry the overwhelming burden of reproductive labour within families; this includes collecting fuel and water and cultivating subsistence crops to feed their families. Participating in public decision-making beyond their immediate needs for survival may seem like an impossible extra burden. Therefore, this initiative aims to empower women to contribute their perspectives and inputs within the framework of the law,” he said.
Abdishukri Jelle’s remarks shed light on the obstacles that institutional gender bias represents a challenge to all women seeking equal participation and competing for leadership positions, as does the way that political and economic systems are organised.
He revealed that doubt and uncertainty of women’s ability to lead, the stereotypes, biasness about their role in society and their lack of suitability for leadership roles and religious decision-making, are among the major challenges women in Garissa face.
“Lack of education and low levels of literacy make access to information difficult and commonly undermine the confidence and skills needed to enter public life whether at village, community, local, or national level,” he said.
He also added that women are also unlikely to have the networks, contacts and experience expected of public leaders, saying that such programmes will go a long way in helping them achieve the same. Fatuma Badhia, a vocal Garissa based human rights activist and a champion for women leadership lamented that the backward cultural beliefs which have only managed to further oppress women have not made the situation any better.
She however said that residents are determined to change the narrative and perception saying that such empowerment programmes will go a long way in not only empowering women. “I want to sincerely thank MUHURI which through the ECCES Programme have embarked on a training composed of youth and women. We all have a role to play in changing the narrative and perception of our own in the society especially on matters of leadership,” she said.
Abdiwahab Ibrahim, Regional Coordinator- National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) noted that the commission is committed to promoting gender equality and ensuring that the rights of all individuals, regardless of gender, are upheld.
He further added that despite significant progress made as a country, gender disparities persist in many areas, including political representation, economic participation, and access to education and healthcare. He noted that in the 3 counties of Northeastern Kenya, only 2 women were elected in wajir county assembly thus calling for women to elect females in the region.
He urged all stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that promote women’s education and civic engagement and encouraged that they work together to create an environment where women are empowered to lead, to make decisions, and to contribute to the development of our society.
Ibrahm emphasized that NGEC remains committed to this cause and will continue to collaborate with organisations like MUHURI to achieve shared goals.