Busia: The Western Twaweza Empowerment Campaign-Kenya (WETEC-Kenya) has intensified efforts to empower young women to take up leadership positions through mentorship, capacity building, and advocacy for safe political spaces. The organization says the initiative is aimed at increasing women’s participation in governance, promoting accountable leadership, and creating an environment where women can pursue leadership opportunities without intimidation or discrimination.
According to Kenya News Agency, Executive Director Immaculate Amoit, speaking during a leaders and young women forum organized by WETEC-Kenya in Busia County, said the organization has been equipping young women with leadership skills while connecting them with experienced female leaders who can inspire and mentor them. Amoit said the programme has so far trained 300 young women from Nairobi, Nandi, Busia, Vihiga, and Homa Bay counties, providing them with opportunities to learn from women already serving in leadership positions.
Amoit emphasized the importance of preparing young women for leadership through training, noting the challenges women face in political spaces. She highlighted the organization’s efforts to advocate for safer political environments that provide women with equal opportunities to compete and lead.
Busia County Deputy Governor Arthur Odera commended WETEC-Kenya for promoting women’s leadership, stating that empowering women is essential for achieving inclusive development and strengthening governance. Odera observed that countries embracing women’s leadership have recorded improved governance and social outcomes.
However, Odera also pointed out challenges such as gender-based violence and negative stereotypes that discourage many women from seeking leadership positions. Nandi County Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Mitei echoed these sentiments, adding that deliberate measures to implement the two-thirds gender principle had increased women’s representation in leadership and public service in her county.
Dr. Mitei urged Kenyans to elect leaders based on vision, competence, and integrity rather than gender, asserting that leadership should be judged by performance and ideas. She encouraged women to believe in their leadership potential and take advantage of available opportunities to inspire future generations.
Teso South Deputy County Commissioner Ruth Lorete assured aspiring women leaders of the government’s commitment to protecting them from violence, including cyberbullying, as the country approaches the election period. She emphasized the importance of community engagement to raise awareness and strengthen mechanisms for reporting and addressing violence against women seeking elective positions.
