President William Ruto has affirmed his government’s commitment to the plight of women as the world celebrates International Women’s Day.
In a statement on Saturday, March 8, 2025, Ruto observed that the government remains resolute in creating an environment where women can not only live but also thrive to achieve their full potential.
“On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering women and girls; not just as a matter of equality and justice, but as a driving force of a stronger, more inclusive and prosperous society,” Ruto said.
“We remain resolute in our quest to breaking barriers, expanding opportunities and fostering an environment where every woman and girl can thrive, live and realise their full potential.”
“To the women shaping strong families behind the scenes, to the entrepreneurs, innovators and changemakers driving our economy forward, and to the leaders in politics and community service guiding us into the future, your courage, zeal and vision inspires us all today and always.”
Gender-based violence
The message, delivered after a meeting between elected women leaders and the President earlier in the week, was echoed by Gilgil MP Martha Wangari, who urged for the swift resolution of gender-based violence cases.
“The courts must have an acceleration of cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). That has to be non-negotiable. In terms of the way we say we have corruption cases, election cases that are limited to a certain time, let us not have a case for defilement, murder of women or men killed by women dragging for three years,” Wangari said.
“Every county should have a DNA testing centre. That should be the minimum. Unless we are unable to do that, then it would not be easy to nail these culprits or to deter others who would want to do that.”
Wangari equally urged for a multi-pronged effort to curb GBV including advocacy on the matter, equipping of police gender desks and support from the three arms of government.
Women unity calls
On her part, nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana urged women to embrace their own, noting that Kenya could have a woman president if just women supported one of their own.
“If women voted for a woman, we would have a woman president. In the Senate, we have three elected women senators and about 19 nominated senators,” Kibwana remarked.
She also called for a robust Women Enterprise Fund which will provide affordable credit to women in the country to accord them sustainable livelihoods.
Likoni MP Mishi Mboko called for a gender-responsive budget, noting that the women had yet to receive a Ksh100 million pledge made by Ruto for the advocacy of gender-based violence in the country.
“The president recently pledged Ksh100 million for the campaign against femicide and GBV, we have yet to receive the said money. We have been informed that the funds will be availed in the supplementary budget but we feel they are insufficient,” Mboko said.
