NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has urged the government to fast-track reforms to address persistent challenges hindering women and girls from achieving gender equality.
In a statement marking International Women’s Day 2025, NGEC Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa called for immediate interventions, emphasizing that progress remains slow despite legal frameworks supporting gender parity.
“As Kenya commemorates International Women’s Day, we must move beyond rhetoric and implement concrete measures to dismantle systemic barriers,” Jaldesa said.
At the heart of the commission’s demands is the enforcement of the two-thirds gender principle, which seeks equitable representation of women in leadership and governance.
Despite the constitutional provision, Kenya’s Parliament has repeatedly failed to enact legislation ensuring compliance.
Currently, women hold just 23% of National Assembly seats and 31% in the Senate, figures that fall short of constitutional requirements.
Jaldesa stressed that achieving gender parity in leadership is vital for meaningful representation and inclusive governance.
NGEC also called for increased investment in the care economy, urging the finalization of the National Care Policy.
The commission highlighted the heavy burden of unpaid care work on women, who spend an average of 4.7 hours daily on household and caregiving duties, compared to 1.7 hours for men.
“We need to create a structure that values care work and supports those who perform it,” Jaldesa said, emphasizing the need for policies that promote shared responsibilities within households and workplaces.
NGEC raised alarm over the rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), particularly femicide and online abuse.
Data from 2024 showed 168 reported femicide cases, marking the worst year on record.
The commission is pushing for stricter laws, better enforcement, and survivor-centered interventions to combat GBV.
Beyond legislative reforms, NGEC underscored the need for financial inclusion programs to boost women’s economic empowerment.
The commission also called for behavioral change initiatives to challenge deep-seated patriarchal norms that continue to limit women’s opportunities.
Additionally, the commission urged policymakers to consider the gendered impact of global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and economic fluctuations, which disproportionately affect women.
While Kenya has made strides in gender equality, particularly in education, healthcare, and women’s leadership, NGEC noted that systemic barriers remain.
Harmful cultural practices, entrenched gender biases, and lack of accountability continue to hinder progress.
The commission’s call to action on International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that gender equality is not just a goal but a necessity for national development.
