Affirmative action remains a pipe dream. This feature story explores how patriarchy in society still blocks women from running for political positions. To be at the helm of leadership in Kenya as a woman remains akin to walking on a tightrope, as the two-thirds gender rule and the push to implement affirmative action remains a…
More women vied for different political seats in Kenya during the 2022 general election. Challenges like discrimination, body shaming, name calling, financial constraints and political parties’ bias toward women were also visible during the last general election. The exchange of money for votes made it even worse. Despite numerous challenges, women still pushed onto the…
The excitement for Kenyan women to thrust themselves into politics has been momentous, despite the progress being sluggish. The Kenyan political environment is deeply patriarchal, dirty and utterly expensive. In this piece, I look at how Kenyan women politicians are still standing against all odds and what can be done to create a more supportive…
Unbreakable spirit of Nigerian women working to make their voices heard in the halls of power. This is a story about the remarkable strides of women who are striving to get into politics in Nigeria and how they navigate various challenges Women’s political representation is an important and topical issue that requires our full attention….
Enhancing the fruits of democracy by pushing for equal rights. Putting Nigerian democracy in rights perspectives with a social contract to enhance dividends of democracy and bridge communication gaps. Bridging communication gaps to ensure women are grounded in gender equality. While many societies have identified the importance of the free flow of communications in enhancing…
Bloggers troll women daily! This story brings to light how women leaders have been bullied, maligned, slut shamed, and have had malicious stories planted about them on online platforms the moment they announce their political bids. “I felt so naked. I felt very naked.” Sarah Wanjiku Thiga, who vied for the Member of County Assembly…
Women at the party level of politics have been seen to be novices, lacking political capital and a competitive advantage! This audio feature explores the challenges women face at their parties from seeking elective positions and brings out the solutions to boost more representation of women. Women made up only 10 per cent of our…
Speak up! Sọrọ sókè! This report is not focusing on the #EndSARS movement per se, but on the strategic role that women played in it, and how they’ve proven to be capable of leading the nation. While making this report, I spoke with notable figures involved in the #EndSARS movement, women involved in politics and…
Women politicians are still treated as second fiddles by their male counterparts but River State want to change this narrative! This story explores how River State is implementing the 35 per cent Affirmative Action policy on women’s participation and appointment in politics “They just bought personal cars for some of us, and it ends there….
Programme pillars of participation targetting women still key to democracy The women-focused approach in strategy increases audience engagement, particularly in women. In this story, I explore how women’s initiatives and program pillars of participation are a solution to encouraging young women to engage in leadership opportunities in Bungoma County, Western Kenya. Kabuchai constituency lies 15…
The toxic culture holding women back from political leadership! This audio feature examines how women continue to aspire for leadership positions in all spheres of governance and how invisible cultural barriers and expectations still interfere with their success. Solutions on how women can navigate these challenges are also highlighted. The issue of tradition has been…
