By Betty Luke
The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has challenged rural women in Isiolo County to vie for Member of County Assembly (MCA) seats in the upcoming elections to help bridge the gender disparity.
NGEC Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa decried what she termed inadequate representation of women in elective seats, noting that no single woman expressed interest in contesting for Kinna’s MCA seat during the 2022 General Elections.
She appealed to women, from the rural ward, to step up and seek elective positions to ensure their voices are heard in decision-making spaces.
“Even if they don’t win, putting themselves forward increases visibility and creates future opportunities for leadership,” Jaldesa said.
She emphasized the need to reintroduce the two-thirds gender rule, not only at the national level but also in county assemblies and community leadership structures.
The forum also addressed perceptions that women are to blame for perpetuating harmful practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), with men arguing that women push for the cut.
Jaldesa stressed that involving women in leadership would help change such narratives and bring solutions from within the community.
NGEC Commissioner Michael Nzomo called on Governor Abdi Hassan to ensure persons with disabilities (PWDs) are included in his administration, citing continued underrepresentation in county governance.
“We must ensure PWDs have a seat at the table. It’s not just about fairness, it’s about inclusive development,” said Nzomo.
He added that all complaints and concerns raised during the engagement would be documented and necessary action taken.
The Commission affirmed its commitment to continuous engagement with communities to promote equality, justice, and inclusive governance across Isiolo.
The officials spoke during a recent legal aid forum held in Kinna Ward, which aimed to offer free legal support to residents and strengthen the justice system in the push for equality.
