Harriette Chiggai, the Presidential Advisor on Women’s Rights calling for urgent action on gender equality at Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi on November 5, 2024.
Harriette Chiggai, the Presidential Advisor on Women’s Rights, has urged all sectors of society to unite and take urgent action to promote gender equality in Kenya. Speaking at a gathering focused on women’s rights, Chiggai stressed the importance of working together to address pressing issues affecting women and children across the country.
“This is a unique opportunity for us to come together, share ideas and engage on issues that affect women,” said Chiggai. “Let’s get inspired, get engaged, and get moving together!” She emphasised that the forum provided a platform to discuss strategies for accelerating gender parity in various sectors.
The event included a panel discussion on women’s economic empowerment and investment. Chiggai stressed the importance of the Women’s Charter, a framework her office uses to promote women’s rights and opportunities. “The big question we ask ourselves this morning is why are we here today?” she asked, quoting a Swahili proverb to reinforce the power of unity: “Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa,” meaning that one finger alone cannot do much.
Citing a report by Equal Measures 2030, Chiggai warned that without decisive change, no country will achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. “It will take a girl born today 139 years to achieve gender equality and enjoy all the SDG targets,” she said, underscoring the urgency of accelerating efforts towards gender equality.
Explaining the role of her office, Chiggai noted, “Our mandate is simple: to advocate and develop advice for the President on strategic issues affecting women and children.” She shared that her office has been working with civil society, county leaders and various stakeholders to build partnerships that promote gender equality, and hopes to engage the private sector in these efforts.
Recognising the ongoing challenges, Chiggai discussed the rising incidence of sexual and gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy and discrimination. “If we do not collectively address these issues, the country’s economy will forever remain unstable,” she warned, emphasising the need for immediate and unified action.
Chiggai outlined four key pillars that would guide the work of her office: Women’s economic empowerment, leadership and democratic participation, social and legal justice, and research and data. She invited partners to support these initiatives, as addressing these areas requires a multi-sectoral approach. “This is where you need to come in and support us,” she urged.
Chiggai highlighted two flagship initiatives: Safe Homes, Safe Spaces, a three-year national campaign to reduce sexual and gender-based violence, and the Widows Empowerment Programme, which aims to restore dignity to widows. “Let’s make Kenya a beacon of equality, justice and dignity for all,” she concluded, inviting everyone to become “accelerators” in the quest for gender equality.
