ARTICLE 27: IS IT ABOUT WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND ISSUES OR HOUSE SEATS?

The Constitution of Kenya Article 27(8) provides that:

 “the state shall take legislative and other measures to implement the principle that no more than two-thirds of the members of elective or appointive bodies shall be comprised of one gender.”

The August House, in more than typical fashion has yet again failed Kenya in its core task, legislation.

Two years after the pomp and ceremony that marked the promulgation of The Constitution of Kenya, we are finally faced with a real opportunity to have a sober look at this and possibly other articles of our Constitution as never before.

Key questions to ponder: With the benefit of hindsight, did we rush in to this? Is this Constitution truly the best piece of legislation both in word and spirit that we as Kenyans deserve? Will our constitution bear the weight of time?

“The true test of quality is in the test of time.”

The gender question: Is it about women issues or women seats?

Gender parity in representation is by all means a hall mark of an advancing and well rooted democracy, and we as a society must aim to grow it from the paltry 9.8% women to a much higher figure. The key question on this however is: how do we achieve a feminine voice at all levels?

The gender debate in our country has been viewed largely through the tinted lenses of feminists, whose purpose it is to have a female issues articulated at all costs. I dare say many of our female leaders are using the gender debate to further fuel their own gains of political power and personal ambition.

Key question: what is the performance of female Members of Parliament on female issues?

Female MPs and feminist organizations are using the tagline ‘women understand women issues and more women in parliament will result in better women’s laws to aid the women in growth and development,’ to push for article 27.

Upon scrutiny we see there is little evidence to support this claim. Since the sexual offences bill sponsored by Lady Justice Njoki Ndung’u in 2006, the Honorable ladies have only sponsored a handful of women centered. Many of them dealing with security and protection but very few if any actually have a direct impact on the economic situation of the poorest women.

During the lifespan of this August House, the Lady legislators through their parliamentary group have a scanty record of reforming or reshaping national debate on the issues affecting women, their key achievement has been:

·         the Prohibition of FGM Act 2011 – Initiated by KEWOPA, and moved an Honorary KEWOPA Member Hon. Fred Kapondi  

·         Counter Trafficking In Persons Act 2010 by Hon. Millie Odhiambo, MP

They have instead focused their thoughts on civil work such as sensitizations and trainings which mind you, is not why we pay them! Check out Kenya Women Parliamentarians link: http://www.kewopa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79&Itemid=134

Don’t get this blog wrong, it is not expression of chauvinism, far from it, this blog is simply asking women around the country to ask the tough questions of their leaders. The article also serves to direct the mwananchi to ask what has my MP (male or female) done for Kenya and for me since 2008 ?

The responsible route

“The power of nomination goes to the political parties in case the country cannot achieve a one third minority representation at the ballot.” This is a possible amendment to the law that politicians are trying to make.

Instead of instituting a Constitutional quota system that is susceptible to abuse by political parties and other special interests who will usurp the citizens’ right to suffrage, why not seek a more moderate yet deliberate system that will guarantee better articulation of women issues?

The feminist groups and current MPs have their eyes on the seats and not on the myriad of issues facing women, especially the poorest who need the most help. They would have us believe that Kenyan men- despite being sons, husbands and fathers of women, cannot articulate or understand the problems faced by 52% of our population.

We should leave elective politics to be just that, “elective” where aspirants slag it out on an open and level playing field. Let the women leaders among the people be vetted and selected by the court of public opinion, fully aware that it will not be easy, but then again nothing good in life is supposed to be!

What example are the women leaders setting to the many girls in schools who have dreams of leadership, that it is okay to create sexist laws to better your chances at advancement? Or do we want the next generation of female leaders to know that it is through hard work that you get there.

Do we want a legacy of strong women leaders in the mold of Martha Karua, who don’t want votes because of her sex, but because of her policies? Or do we want a legacy of women who run for president on the basis of their sex (clue mama rainbow)?

Ultimately as a country do we want to institute a culture of policy driven leadership, where we elect leaders on merit or to change the forest but retain the monkeys? We are at a precipice people and our next step will set footholds for generation.

Share your comment or opinions thanks.