As Kenya continues to grapple with the implementation of the two-thirds gender principle, a recent forum has spotlighted the critical role of the media in advocating for gender equality in political representation. The sensitization forum, organized by the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), brought together stakeholders who emphasized the media’s responsibility in not only supporting women aspirants but also holding political parties accountable for their role in sidelining women.
The forum highlighted that the media’s influence extends beyond reporting; it is also a powerful tool in shaping public opinion and challenging entrenched societal norms. This power must be harnessed to address the persistent challenges women face in politics, particularly gender-based violence and discrimination, which are often exacerbated during election periods.
The Role of Media in Promoting Gender Equality
Queenter Mbori, the Executive Director of AMWIK, underscored the media’s pivotal role in advancing diversity, inclusion, and equality within the political sphere. She noted that the journey toward achieving the two-thirds gender rule requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, with the media playing a crucial role in this endeavor.
“The path to achieving the two-thirds gender rule requires concerted efforts among all stakeholders. The media plays a crucial role in advancing the tenets of diversity, inclusion, and equality. We aim to continue to use our voice and platforms to debunk the myths surrounding the Two-Thirds Gender Rule,” Mbori said.
Mbori’s call to action was supported by Ann Ireri, the Executive Director of the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya). Ireri emphasized the importance of the media in reporting and condemning election-related gender-based violence, a critical issue that often goes unaddressed. She pointed out that such violence is a significant barrier for women aspiring to political office, as it not only deters them from participating but also perpetuates a culture of exclusion.
Challenges in Implementing the Two-Thirds Gender Rule
Despite the clear constitutional mandate under Article 27(8) of the 2010 Constitution, which requires that no more than two-thirds of any elective or appointive body be of the same gender, Kenya has struggled to fully implement this principle. The situation is further complicated by Article 81(b), which stipulates that the electoral system must ensure that no more than two-thirds of the members of elective public bodies are of the same gender.
Since the promulgation of the Constitution, at least 11 bills have been introduced in the National Assembly to operationalize the two-thirds gender rule, but none have successfully passed into law. This legislative gridlock has resulted in the continued underrepresentation of women in political and governance positions.
Currently, Kenya has seven elected women Governors, 30 women Members of Parliament, and 114 women ward representatives. While these numbers represent some progress, they fall short of the constitutional requirement and reflect the broader challenges that women face in achieving political parity.
The Way Forward: Media as a Catalyst for Change
Ireri’s criticism of the delay in implementing the two-thirds gender rule reflects a broader frustration with the slow pace of gender equality in Kenyan politics. She challenged political parties to adhere to the critical legislation, arguing that without the full participation of women in governance, Kenya cannot claim to truly represent its populace.
The forum concluded with a strong appeal to the media to take an active role in advocating for the two-thirds gender rule. By providing platforms for women aspirants to articulate their issues and by holding political entities accountable for their actions, the media can help dismantle the barriers that prevent women from fully participating in the political process.
The push for the two-thirds gender rule is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative. As the forum highlighted, the media must be at the forefront of this movement, using its influence to promote gender equality and ensure that the principles enshrined in the Constitution are fully realized. The journey may be long, but with the media as a committed partner, there is hope for a more inclusive and representative political landscape in Kenya.
