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First Lady drums up support for Sexual Offences law


First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has asked women MPs to push for implementation of the Sexual Offences Act.

Mrs Kenyatta urged the 86 legislators to be at the forefront in ensuring that adequate measures were taken to curb any gender-based violence, including public stripping of women and sexual abuse.

The First Lady spoke when she presided over the launch of the 2014-2018 strategic plan of the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (Kewopa) in Nairobi on Thursday.

Mrs Kenyatta commended women parliamentarians for their efforts in addressing gender disparities through policy and legislation, among other interventions.

“It is commendable that your efforts have been in line with your vision of equitable representation for both women and men in decision making at all levels in public and private spheres,” Mrs Kenyatta said.

STRATEGIC PLAN

Kewopa Chairperson Cecily Mbarire said women parliamentarians continue to face difficulties in their work, especially when operating in political structures dominated by men.

Through it’s strategic plan, Kewopa seeks to advance the participation of its members in political party activities, representation, legislation and institutional strengthening.

Kewopa has also devised ways of engaging women legislators at county levels by creating Kewopa chapters as a platform and link through to the women at the grassroots.

The County Chapters are expected to provide a platform for women legislators at the county to champion for the inclusion of women’s views at the county level.

They are also expected to create forums through which upcoming legislators can be mentored and groomed to participate in national politics.