Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged for accelerated action in advancing women’s rights and opportunities in Kenya and beyond. Speaking ahead of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, Mudavadi emphasized the need for decisive steps to strengthen the global women’s agenda and eliminate systemic barriers that hinder gender equality.
March 8, celebrated annually as IWD, serves as a platform to acknowledge women’s achievements and advocate for their empowerment. Mudavadi called on society to recognize the vital roles women play in various socio-economic sectors and ensure they receive a fair share of opportunities across all industries and economies.
“This is a moment to celebrate our mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters. We must reflect on their successes, encourage them, and work towards eliminating the challenges they face. The government is committed to ensuring that women and girls are not left behind in the quest for gender equality,” he stated.
A key focus of Mudavadi’s message was the intersection of gender, peace, and security. He underscored the importance of women’s leadership in conflict resolution and peace-building, highlighting their critical role in fostering a just and equitable society. “Women are our humanitarian voices, and we must ensure they can nurture society in an environment of peace,” he added.
Mudavadi urged stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, and development partners, to leverage existing policy and legislative frameworks to promote gender equality. He stressed the importance of eradicating gender-based violence (GBV), citing the alarming rise in cases of violence against women. He called for accountability, increased funding for women’s rights movements, and strengthened national strategies to address GBV.
“The fight against GBV requires collective action from governments, civil society, international partners, and local communities. Women, particularly those at the grassroots, must have their voices heard and amplified in peace and security processes,” he said.
The 2025 IWD theme, ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,’ calls for inclusive actions to unlock equal rights and opportunities. Mudavadi emphasized the need to empower young women and adolescent girls as key drivers of lasting change. As the world grapples with challenges like conflict, climate change, and social inequality, he urged for renewed commitments to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
