Christian Aid Kenya is making significant strides in promoting gender equality across Africa, launching a 24-month initiative today at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Westlands. This initiative, which focuses on integrating gender-just macroeconomic policies into the pandemic recovery efforts, gathered key stakeholders from Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Malawi to discuss strategies for embedding gender equity in economic policymaking.
“This initiative is built around three key pillars: influencing policy, strengthening civil society, and enhancing learning,” said a representative from Christian Aid Kenya. The organization is committed to ensuring that grassroots women’s voices are heard and that these voices influence fiscal policies in their respective countries. The focus on gender-responsive fiscal policy commitments is seen as crucial for achieving long-term economic justice.
The conference also highlighted a significant collaboration with CRAWN Trust and the Side-by-Side Faith Movement for Gender Justice. These organization advocated for the immediate implementation of Kenya’s “Not More Than Two-Thirds” Gender Principle, a constitutional requirement that has yet to be fully realized since the 2010 Constitution was established.
The conference placed a strong emphasis on raising awareness about gender equality within faith communities. By mobilizing faith leaders to advocate for policy reforms, the initiative aims to empower women and ensure their representation in decision-making processes. “This effort is complemented by capacity-building activities designed to equip faith-based organizations with the tools and resources to promote gender justice within their communities,” added a speaker from the Side-by-Side Faith Movement.
One of the expected outcomes of this initiative is the strengthening of collaboration between faith-based groups, civil society organizations, and government bodies. “We hope to create a united front in the fight for gender equality, ensuring that the ‘Not More Than Two-Thirds’ Gender Principle is not just a legal obligation but a lived reality in Kenya and beyond,” said a representative from CRAWN Trust.
However, the challenges to achieving gender parity in leadership roles are significant. Kenya’s political landscape has been marked by resistance and impunity, with a persistent failure to fully implement gender balance in governance. Despite claims of financial constraints, studies show that the cost of compliance is minimal compared to the broader socio-economic benefits of gender equity.
The conference urged a growing sense of urgency and determination among the participants. The collective action led by Christian Aid Kenya and its partners not only addressed the current challenges but also a proactive step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Through sustained advocacy, policy influence, and community engagement, this initiative aims to set a new standard for gender justice in Africa.
