Maendeleo ya Wanawake to use its numbers to shape Kenyan politics

Maendeleo Ya Wanawake, one of the oldest women groups in the country, is now positioning itself to take centre stage in national politics ahead of the 2022 General Election.

More than four million members of the group are in the race to be recognised at the national level and want to take up leadership positions at different political seats.

Its leadership said they are using their numbers to strategies how to shape the politics of the country and warned against discrimination.

They spoke when they attended their patron Phoebe Asiyo’s 90th birthday at a hotel in Homa Bay Town.

Ms Asiyo, the group chairperson Rahab Mwikali Muiu, and founder Zipporah Kittony, said time has come for the government to recognise women’s role in politics.

Ms Asiyo said women have demonstrated that they can lead and the group is fronting candidates for various political seats for next year's election.

According to the former Karachuonyo MP, women politicians like Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu have demonstrated the ability of women to serve as leaders.

She challenged her members to emulate Ms Ngilu and go for political seats next year.

"Group members are encouraged to vie for leadership positions because we have seen what women can do. It is time for them to step up and compete with men," Ms Asiyo said.

Political rights

During her tenure in parliament between 1979 and 1992, the former MP advocated for women empowerment.

She told the National Assembly then, that political parties that advance the political rights of women should be given more funds.

Ms Asiyo said she is still pushing for the same to enable women get equal opportunities to contest for political seats and win.

"Men were against my idea of empowering women politically. They were saying it will make women grow horns. Things have changed and it's now the opportune time for women to stand up and be counted," she said.

Maendeleo ya Wanawake is celebrating its 70th year since inception. Its members are spread across the country and include elected leaders.

Ms Kittony said the group should not be misjudged for it has numbers that can determine the destiny of the country.

She said the group leadership will sit within three weeks and make a decision on their political stand.

"If we sit down and strategize properly, someone will have to run to us. We are looking at our numbers and we are not sleeping," the former nominated senator said.

According to her, women are unique and given the chance can do well.

"Our neighbouring country, Tanzania, is being led by a woman. Women are great leaders. They have just not been given the chance," the former legislator said.

Ms Muiu said the group will involve national leaders when taking their political stand.

She said Maendeleo Ya Wanawake will fight for more women to be nominated in county assemblies, the National Assembly and the Senate.

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