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Feminism in Kenya concerns the organized efforts to improve the rights of the girls and women of Kenya.[1] The modern feminist movement, which took off in the early 1960s and also in the 1970s, gained impetus through the establishment of various organisations such as Maendeleo Ya Wanawake (Women’s Progress)[2] and Kenya Women’s Political Caucus (Kenya Women Parliamentary Association).[3][4][5][6]

History

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Overview

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The women's empowerment activities in Kenya were influenced by the history of colonization in the nation as well as its cultural practices and political structure. Women used to have substantial social and economic autonomy before colonialism undermined their status. After gaining independence, women like Margaret Wanjiru or Julia Ojiambo advocated for gender equality which they achieved in later years.[7][8][9]

Women's suffrage and civic engagement

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In 1963, Kenyan women were given the right to vote, though their political involvement remained restricted. In the world today, women are getting more politically involved, they are vying for various seats and other leadership roles. These organizations fight for the rights of women to participate in politics, for example, Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-K) and Women Political Caucus.[10][11][12]

Early struggles

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In the 1940s and ’50s, Mary Muthoni Nyanjiru and Margaret Wanjiru were among those who championed for women’s rights as well as political participation.[13][14][15]

1963's suffrage

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Kenya granted women the right to vote and run for office, a major milestone.[16]

1970s-1980s: women's political activism

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Organizations such as the Kenya Women's Political Caucus and the National Council of Women of Kenya (NCWK) emerged, advocating for women's political empowerment.[17]

1990s: multiparty era

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With the reintroduction of multiparty politics, women such as Charity Ngilu, Wangari Maathai, and Martha Karua ventured into mainstream politics.[18]

2000s: increased representation

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More women were elected to parliament, including Minister of Justice Martha Karua and Minister of Gender and Children Affairs, Esther Murugi.[19][20]

2010: constitutional reforms

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The new constitution reserved 47 special seats for women in the National Assembly and Senate, ensuring a minimum 33% representation.[21][22][23]

Some of women's civic engagement and political participation in Kenya include:

  • Martha Karua: a former Minister of Justice and MP, known for her advocacy on gender-based violence and political reform.[28][29][30]
  • Charity Ngilu: a former Minister of Health and MP, who championed healthcare reform and women's empowerment.[31][32]
  • Susan Kihika: a Senator and former MP, known for her work on gender-based violence and women's rights.[33][34]
  • Passaris: a businesswoman and politician who became the first woman to be elected as the Governor of Nairobi County.

Anti-discrimination laws

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In Kenya, women are protected from discrimination by the law. These laws include the (2010), for instance, the constitutional provisions found in The Constitution of the Republic of Kenya as well as The Employment Act No 11 of 2007 enacted in (2007).[35] One such law is The Sexual Offences Act No 3 of 2006, which criminalises sexual violence. Again, there is another one called The Marriage Act No 4 of 2014 that prohibits early/child marriages among others. However, executing and enforcing them remains a problem.[36][37]

Marital rape law

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Activists lobbied against the criminalization of marital rape in Kenya through legislation without success.[38]There is recognition by the courts that marital rape constitutes a kind of violence based on gender; however, protection mechanisms must extend towards victims.[39][40]

Persecution of activists

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A lot of challenges against feminist campaigners exist in Kenya including online harassment, intimidations as well as attacks.[41][42][43] Certain campaigners have been elevated to the status of being ‘divisive’ or ‘anti-cultural’ because they criticise patriarchal norms.[44] Nevertheless, female rights activists in Kenya have remained committed to fighting for justice and equality.[45]

Challenges

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Patriarchal culture

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Deep-rooted gender stereotypes and biases perpetuate male dominance and limit women's opportunities.

Traditional gender roles

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Expectations around domestic and reproductive work constrain women's ability to pursue education, careers, and political roles.

Violence and harassment

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Physical, emotional, and sexual violence against women, including female genital mutilation (FGM) and gender-based violence, remain prevalent.

Limited access to education and resources

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Disparities in education, economic empowerment, and access to healthcare hinder women's ability to assert their rights.

Political underrepresentation

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Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in politics and decision-making positions, limiting their influence on policy and legislation.

Stereotyping and stigma

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Feminists are often labeled as "westernized" or "anti-cultural," discouraging women from identifying as feminists.

Religious and cultural resistance

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Some religious and cultural groups resist gender equality, viewing it as a threat to traditional values.

Limited support systems

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Inadequate support for survivors of gender-based violence, lack of childcare services, and limited mental health resources hinder feminist efforts.

Internalized misogyny

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Women internalizing negative messages about their capabilities and worth, perpetuating self-doubt and limiting their potential.

Funding and resource constraints

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Feminist organizations often face financial challenges, limiting their ability to effectively advocate for women's rights.

Organizations

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In Kenya, there are several organizations supporting the rights and dignity of women rights and dignity. The post-election violence of 2007-2008 saw the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA)[46] provide legal aid to women and advocate for the enactment of Sexual Offences Act in 2006.[47][48]

Kenya Women's Political Caucus, established in 1997 lobbied for the inclusion of gender equality in the 2010 Constitution and organized the "Women's March to State House" in 2016 to demand greater political representation.[5]

The National Council of Women of Kenya (NCWK), established in 1964, was responsible for organizing the “Women’s Decade” (1985-1995) in order to enhance gender equality and proposed for the formation of the National Gender and Equality Commission in 2011. Women’s Rights Organizations (WRO), inaugurated in 1993, fought against female genital mutilation (FGM) during the 90s while offering assistance to survivors of gender-based violence after the outbreak of election related conflict in 2007-2008.[49]

In 1999, the Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW) launched the "Girls' Empowerment Program" to enhance girls' education and in 2015 lobbied for the enactment of the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act. Kenya Female Advisory Organization (KEFADO) began the "Girls' Mentorship Program" in 2003 to promote young girls and held the "Women's Economic Empowerment Conference" in 2018.[50]

Gender-Based Violence Recovery Centre (GBVRC), founded in 2001, has provided counseling services to survivors of gender-based violence during the 2007-2008 post-election violence and campaigned for the establishment of the National GBV Helpline in 2016. African Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), established in 1988, has coordinated the "African Women's Decade" (2010-2020) to promote gender equality and advocated for the establishment of the African Union's Gender and Women's Development Department.[51][52]

Women in Law and Development in Africa (WILDAF), founded in 1990, has campaigned for the ratification of the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa and provided legal support to women during the 2007-2008 post-election violence. Kenya Women's National Council (KWNC), established in 1982, has coordinated the "Women's March to State House" in 2016 to demand greater political representation and advocated for the establishment of the National Gender and Equality Commission in 2011.[52]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Kimeu, Caroline (2024-01-18). "Femicide in Kenya is a national crisis, say rights groups". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  2. ^ "We deserve state funding, says Maendeleo Ya Wanawake". Nation. 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  3. ^ Nyabola, Nanjala (2018). "Kenyan Feminisms in the Digital Age". Women's Studies Quarterly. 46 (3 & 4): 261–272. ISSN 0732-1562. JSTOR 26511346.
  4. ^ "'Stop killing us!': Thousands march to protest against femicide in Kenya". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  5. ^ a b "What Kewopa's 4-year strategic plan means for gender rule". Nation. 2023-12-28. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  6. ^ Lawal, Wale (2024-04-06). "What Kenya's Anti-Femicide Protests Achieved". The Republic. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  7. ^ "Feminism: Speak up, Akoko, and seize what is rightfully your own". Nation. 2024-03-09. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  8. ^ Okech, Awino (2022-08-18). "Would Kenyan women's rights be safe under William Ruto? Why they might not be". The Conversation. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  9. ^ "Ahead of Kenya elections, female politicians face abuse, attacks". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  10. ^ "16 dead in one month: Women across Kenya hold march against femicide". Nation. 2024-01-27. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  11. ^ Njoya, Wandia. "On International Women's Day Kenyans celebrated neoliberalism". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  12. ^ Kimeu, Caroline (2023-10-02). "As social media grows in Kenya, so does the disturbing and toxic 'manosphere'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  13. ^ "Honoring Teresia Mbari Hinga, a feminist African theologian who dared to think | National Catholic Reporter". www.ncronline.org. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  14. ^ Taylor, Mildred Europa (2021-03-16). "'Take my dress and give me your trousers!': When war called, the men refused to answer until she did". Face2Face Africa. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  15. ^ Mwangi, Gilbert. "Remembering Muthoni Nyanjiru and the women who helped fight colonialists". The Standard. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  16. ^ "arts24 - Ngugi wa Thiong'o: 'Women in Kenya have often played an important role in history'". France 24. 2021-05-11. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  17. ^ Gatabaki, James Brownsell,Paloma. "Kenyan women march towards political equality". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-07-04.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ "Kenya Women Demand Political Voice from Ruto". Voice of America. 2022-09-14. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  19. ^ "Kenyan Women Step Up Fight for Land Destined for Coal Mine". Voice of America. 2017-01-18. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  20. ^ "Kenya's President Names Country's First Female Chief Justice". Voice of America. 2021-05-20. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  21. ^ Kimeu, Caroline; Malleret, Constance; Bilginsoy, Zeynep (2023-12-05). "Feminism in pictures: illustrated stories of women's rights around the world". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  22. ^ "Kenyan election: Female candidates face violence, abuse – DW – 08/03/2022". dw.com. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  23. ^ "Martha Karua and Jeremiah Kioni front new political outfit, Kamwene Leadership Forum". Nation. 2023-09-20. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  24. ^ "Celebrating the life and legacy of Wangari Maathai". Africa at LSE. 2021-07-30. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  25. ^ "KS2 History: Wangari Maathai - Environmental activist". BBC Teach. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  26. ^ "Why the world jointly celebrates Africa Environment Day and Wangari Maathai Day". The Citizen. 2024-03-15. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  27. ^ "Kenyans in Tanzania honour Wangari Maathai with tree planting ceremony". The Citizen. 2024-03-16. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  28. ^ "Generation Z will end Kenya's liberation struggle, says Karua". Nation. 2024-06-22. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  29. ^ "Why the Supreme Court was wrong about Martha Karua's EACJ ruling". Nation. 2024-06-12. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  30. ^ "Martha Karua: I'm best suited to succeed Raila in Azimio". Nation. 2024-04-11. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  31. ^ "Squatters seek court's favour in land tussle with ex-Kitui governor Ngilu". Nation. 2024-05-01. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  32. ^ "Senators want former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu probed over suspicious fire incident". Nation. 2023-10-18. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  33. ^ "Senate summons Governor Kihika, War Memorial CEO over hospital closure". Nation. 2024-05-16. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  34. ^ "How suspected fraudster impersonated Susan Kihika in Sh70million con game". Nation. 2024-03-16. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  35. ^ Lawal, Shola. "Femicide in Kenya: What's causing an epidemic of violence against women?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  36. ^ "The place of liberal feminism in the struggle for gender equality in Kenya". AfricLaw. 2022-07-08. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  37. ^ "Reclaiming my blackness as an African feminist - The Elephant". 2018-06-07. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  38. ^ "End the scourge of marital rape". Nation. 2023-12-16. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  39. ^ "My husband recently forced his way into my room and raped me: What can I do?". Nation. 2024-05-29. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  40. ^ Comms, ICJ Kenya (2023-12-13). "Making Rape In Marriage A Crime Can Boost SGBV War - ICJ Kenya". Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  41. ^ "LGBTQ rights activist killed in Kenya". France 24. 2023-01-06. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  42. ^ "Displaced twice: Gay Ugandans on the run face upheaval in Kenya". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  43. ^ "Suspect Arrested in Kenya LGBTQ Activist's Death". Voice of America. 2023-01-06. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  44. ^ "Kenya: Harassment of Environmental Activists | Human Rights Watch". 2018-12-17. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  45. ^ EWTN. "Threats on, Harassment of Kenyan Pro-Life Activist "unacceptable": Catholic Entity". ACI Africa. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  46. ^ "Fida-Kenya hosts charity event at Royal". Nation. 2024-03-05. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  47. ^ "Court Raises Hope More Kenyan Women Will Be Elected". Voice of America. 2017-09-07. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  48. ^ Habib, Jacky. "In Kenya, women hold 'Dark Valentine' vigils to press for end to femicides". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  49. ^ Gatabaki, James Brownsell,Paloma. "Kenyan women march towards political equality". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-07-04.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  50. ^ "CREAWKENYA - Power.Voice.Agency". CREAWKENYA. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  51. ^ Kamau, Richard (2024-04-17). "Call for Kenyan Men Affected by Gender-Based Violence to Seek Counseling". Nairobi Wire. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  52. ^ a b "Why gender violence is a threat to economic development". Nation. 2024-01-25. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
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