Teddy Njoroge Kamau (PhD) in Kijabe.
Kenyan women put on the back banner.In an effort to boost the women chances in the coming general elections, The Center for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) organized a seminar for all the women candidates in the country at the Silver Springs Hotel. Some of the challenges facing the women include, heckling, finances, security, and discrimination.
Given that the constitution was written by men and approved by a parliament dominated by men, it has been very difficult for women to vie for positions. Most of the men candidates and aspirants are asking the women to vie for the women respresentative. There is a perception among the male citizenly that the constitution has already given women their position: Woman Representative. Therefore the position of President, Governors, MPs, and Senators should just be for men.
These are some of the consequences that many people did not forsee. Women who voted for the Constitution imagined that it would be better for women. But looking at the court decision a while ago allowing for the progressive implementation of the constitutional genda role, women have been put on the back banner.
Center for Multiparty Democracy is the only organization that has come to this realization. The seminar was for the purpose of encouraging the women who face major crisis. The issue is this: Women cannot go out at night. They have to stop their campaigns before dawn. Men keep going. How do you win when you have limited time to campaign.
Teddy Njoroge Kamau (PhD), SYR Radio/TV, Director, International Desk. Diaspora Messenger Contributor
