UNFPA made good on its promise to women and girls as it fully supported the activities organized and hosted by the Government of Kenya to mark International Women's Day. The President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy, His Excellency William Ruto, graced the colourful national celebrations held at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC). The head of state was welcomed by Ms. Anne Waiguru, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Devolution and Planning, the organizing ministry and host of the national celebrations.
Also in attendance was Ambassador Amina Mohammed, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Rachel Omamo, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Najib Balala, Cabinet Secretary, Mining; Eng. Michael Kamau, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure; Nairobi Senator Hon. Mike ‘Sonko' Mbuvi, Hon. Jebii Kilimo, the Chairperson, Anti-FGM Board, and representatives of the First Lady Margaret Kenyatta's Beyond Zero Campaign whose objective is to reduce maternal and infant deaths in Kenya.
Other dignitaries present included members of the diplomatic community, heads of UN agencies, international agencies, government departments and civil society organizations.
More than 4,000 people attended the national celebrations and danced as they hailed this year's global theme "Inspiring Change". The Government adapted this global theme to respond to the national agenda thus: "Tubadilishe Fikira, Tuimarishe Maisha ya Wanawake" (Let's change our minds and Improve the Lives of Women).
International Women's Day is intended to encourage women's advancement in every sector through positive change. It celebrates the social, political and economic achievements of women globally.
In its efforts to empower women in Kenya, the Government has put in place several initiatives and formulated policies to support them. Welcome initiatives include the Women Enterprise Development Fund, the Uwezo Fund and the 30 percent allocation of all public procurement to women and the youth.
In his speech, President Uhuru Kenyatta praised the implementation of one of his Jubilee Government's pledges, which was to provide free maternal healthcare in centers across the country. "Already," the President said, "66 percent of deliveries are in these centers, up from 44 percent, and we expect the number to rise. We have also ensured we adhere to the constitutional requirement in as far as women's representation in assemblies and appointments in public positions are concerned."
In addition, President Uhuru Kenyatta pledged to continue empowering women and young people with the establishment of a Kshs. 6 Billion Uwezo Fund. "The legal framework has finally been approved by Parliament and the supervising Ministry has made all necessary arrangements to ensure that the funds are disbursed to the women and youth of this country soonest," he said.
Throughout the festivities marking the International Women's Day, UNFPA demonstrated its firm commitment to help realize gender equality, women's empowerment and sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, with an emphasis on the most marginalized, particularly adolescent girls.
In his statement to the world, UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin applauded the great progress that has been achieved over the past two decades in empowering women. "Fewer women are dying in pregnancy and childbirth," he said. "In fact, we have reduced maternal mortality by nearly 50 percent. Women's access to family planning and antenatal care has also improved. More women have access to education, work and political participation. More girls are going to school, with primary enrolment rates approaching 90 percent. This has positive implications for other aspects of their lives and is, in fact, good for all of us, men included. Educated women and girls can make informed decisions about their health and lives. They can claim their rights and contribute more fully to their families and communities. When they are in leadership roles, they can work more effectively to promote sustainable development, peace and good governance."
Despite the progress, Dr. Osotimehin pointed out that women and girls continue to face human rights violations, including violence and harmful practices. "Laws designed to protect their rights, where they exist, are often not enforced," he said. "One in three women is subjected to violence over the course of her lifetime, often by someone she knows. Millions of girls around the world still face the risk of genital mutilation/cutting, despite a century of efforts to put an end to it. Every day, 20,000 girls below age 18 give birth in developing countries. Nine in 10 of these births occur within marriage or union, which reflects the fact that the percentage of girls being married off before they turn 18 has not changed much in recent years. As we chart the development path ahead, let us look to the foundation laid 20 years ago in Cairo at the International Conference on Population and Development, which recognized that empowering women and girls was both the right thing to do and the key to improved well-being for all - a message echoed a year later by world leaders in Beijing."
On the eve of the national celebrations to mark International Women's Day, UNFPA supported the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) to host the first ever Inspirational Women of the Year Awards 2014. The awards paid tribute to 47 women, one from each of the country's 47 counties, and two special awards to persons with disabilities. The awardees were recognized for their exceptional achievements at the grassroot level to improve the lives of their community members.
NGEC Chairperson Ms. Winfred Lichuma paid glowing tribute to the honourees saying they had set a precedent in the history of the country. "I urge the honourees to keep the fire burning. Let these awards become a source of inspiration for renewed vigour and dedication to continue empowering the vulnerable population in the society especially women, children, youth, the elderly, minority and marginalized groups" she said.
The chief guest, Runyenjes legislator Hon. Cecily Mbarire decried the abject poverty women continue to wallow in. "Women are the backbone of a country's economy and should be empowered. We want the government to ensure that big tenders are awarded to women so that they can rise above poverty and contribute to national development," she said.
The awards are expected to be presented every year as part of the festivities to celebrate the International Women's Day.
