International Women’s Day has marked the plight and achievements of women for more than a century. Socialists first put forward the idea of advancing women’s suffrage through a day to mark women’s enormous contribution to humankind. An annual “international women’s day” was first organized by the German socialist and theorist Clara Zetkin along with 100 delegates from 17 countries in March 1911.
Notably, aside from the older motivations surrounding political office and the pay gap, there is also increasing awareness of the disproportionate amount of abuse women suffer at the hands of others. An estimated 120 million girls and women under the age of 20 have been subjected to forced sexual intercourse or other forced sexual acts.
A huge majority of cases, which often involved partners and relatives, also go unreported – and convictions for rape remain very low in Kenya alone.
More than a third of women worldwide have also experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives, with this being most common between a woman’s teenage years and menopause.
As women all around the world celebrated International Women’s Day the other day, themed “Make it happen”, Kenyan women led by the First lady Margaret Kenyatta brought the theme to life.
To mark this year’s International Women’s Day at Kenyatta International Convention Center, Her excellency first lady Margaret Kenyatta launched the implementation of the Strategic National Action Plan aligned with the United Nations’ Security Resolution 1325. The resolution addresses inclusiveness, better coordination, accountability and participation from key stakeholders in the area of peace.
The First Lady said 50% of Kenya’s population is made up of women. As such, she pointed out, actions of women, measurable and immeasurable, hold up half of the society of this country and hence the need to involve them in peace building initiatives.
“These women wield incredible power – As wives and child bearers, mothers, leaders, decision makers and workers. They build homes, bring in incomes, educate children, and silently influence community decisions,” said the First Lady.
The First Lady said women always seek peace first whenever there are threats of strife and encourage reconciliation where divisions arise.
She especially singled out athlete Tegla Lorupe and nominated Senator Naisula Lessuda who have played a crucial role in spearheading peace in Pokot and Samburu communities respectively.
“We recognise civil society leaders, government agencies and the international community like the UN and the EU who work collectively to lead peace building efforts that have transformed the conditions of suffering at both individual and collective levels. I am proud of you all, as you work towards a more inclusive society,” added the First Lady.
She however said that despite various achievements by the Kenyan women, they still face incredible threats in their daily activities and are partly targeted because of the powerful role they play in society.
“Rape, Female Genital Mutilation, domestic violence – all remain a very real daily threat to many women in Kenya and Africa. Women, girls and children are specially targeted as vulnerable members of the society,” said the First Lady.
