STRENGTHENING WOMEN’S POLITICAL LEADERSHIP. KEWOPA’S EXPERIENCE SHARING WITH KAKAMEGA AND HOMABAY MCAs.
KEWOPA hosted a two-day experience-sharing forum with women MCAs from Kakamega and Homa Bay counties, creating a platform for open discussions on leadership, challenges, and opportunities in politics. The forum brought together experienced leaders who shared valuable insights, encouraging the MCAs to be bold, resilient, and strategic in their political journeys.
The speakers emphasized the unique struggles women in politics face, including societal expectations, cultural barriers, and limited resources. They urged the MCAs to push beyond these challenges, take risks, and actively engage in political processes. “You must be willing to step forward and fight for your space,” said Senator Beth Syengo, encouraging the women to embrace the demands of leadership and not shy away from the political arena.
A strong message of unity and collaboration echoed throughout the discussions. The speakers stressed that for women to make meaningful progress in politics, they must support and uplift each other, set aside political differences, and work together to push the women’s agenda forward. Senator Catherine Mumma reinforced this, stating, “We must move beyond party lines and focus on the bigger picture—ensuring that women’s voices are heard, and their issues are addressed.”
The importance of integrity and strategic positioning was also emphasized. The leaders urged the MCAs to align themselves with political parties that recognize and support women’s leadership. “The rise of women in politics is largely influenced by how political spaces treat them,” Senator Beatrice Ogolla noted. She further urged them to be deliberate in choosing affiliations that elevate their political aspirations.
Throughout the forum, the MCAs shared their personal experiences, discussing the hurdles they continue to face, from lack of financial resources to deeply ingrained patriarchal systems that often side-line women leaders. Despite these challenges, they expressed their determination to push forward. “We are here to learn, to grow, and to ensure that the next generation of women leaders has it easier than we did,” said one of the MCAs.
By the end of the discussions, the MCAs resolved to strengthen women’s political representation, advocate for policies that empower female leaders, and collectively work toward creating a more inclusive and equitable political landscape. The forum served as a powerful reminder that while challenges persist, women in leadership are a force to be reckoned with when they unite, strategize, and push for change.