Empowering Women Politically

We are grateful to Andrew Obara for this information on women and the Kenyan elections:

Village of Love woman exercises her right to vote2017 Elections

Andrew writes, “On the 8th of August, Kibera people woke up early, to go and exercise their democratic right like other Kenyans. It was the day the country was electing its leaders for the next five years.

Our beneficiaries were more eager than most people as we had educated them why people vote and the importance of the exercise. We told them that voting was not a census of tribes nor was it time to solicit money from the politicians.

We made them understand that they were choosing people who would be their voice in parliament, senate and county governments. They would bring changes that would allow them places in governorship, inheritance, own land, credit, education for the girl child and equal job opportunities, speak on the number of children to have etc.

Armed with an Identity card they queued and voted peacefully. Though it was expected that there was going to be some trouble during and after elections, the magnitude of what transpired after elections was shocking. Women were raped, businesses looted, protesters and the innocent were shot at and killed.

Challenges for Women

Village of Love women dscussing their human rightsThe new constitution (2010) created a number of seats specifically for women.

Unfortunately, more often than not, women are forced to follow their husbands’ lead when they vote, or are swayed by bribes they receive. For lack of knowledge of their rights, women choose leaders that do not benefit them at all.

Village of Love works with like minded organizations to make women free from rights violation.

Impact of elections on Village of Love members

Violence, a common occurrence in Kibera during elections, affects women and children most. Most small businesses in Kibera are run by women. When unrest shuts down their businesses, women cannot generate any income, and their families go without food.

In the recent elections, some Village of Love women took the staff’s advice to purchase a store of food in advance of August 8, but most did not. However, Andrew had made plans with the local police for them to enable food to be brought in, if the need became that urgent. The women know that the organisation is there for them, no matter what!

Village of Love staff have been keeping in touch with the group leaders of each cluster, and they tell us that everyone is fine. The staff are also well and are back at work.