The Women in Politics (WPP) Academy is on a mission to empower women across Kenya and beyond, equipping them with a robust understanding of Politics and Governance, International Legal Frameworks, Transformative Leadership, Gender Mainstreaming, Disability Inclusion, Communication, Public Relations, and Branding. The academy’s immersive training aims to position participants as influential players in the political landscape, emphasizing their pivotal roles in shaping the political narratives within their constituencies and at broader national and continental levels.
This year’s fifth WPP Academy opened with an inspiring address from Ambassador Judith Sijeny, a former Deputy Head of Mission in The Hague, Netherlands, and ex-Kenyan senator. She emphasized the importance of joining a political party, encouraging participants to rally critical support in their leadership journeys. “Political parties wield great influence for you,” she remarked, noting that while party affiliation is essential, their political relevance extends beyond party lines.
Supportive mentorship emerged as another cornerstone of the academy. Mr. Andiwo Obondo, a trainer, echoed Sijeny’s sentiments about the vital role of intergenerational mentorship in achieving political success. He stressed the necessity of male allyship, particularly within Africa’s predominantly patriarchal political environment. This guidance not only provides participants with essential insights but also fosters a culture of collaboration crucial for driving change.
The statistics surrounding women’s political representation in Kenya showcase a stark reality. According to a UN Women report on the 2022 elections, while there was a nine percent increase in women’s gubernatorial representation, only seven women managed to secure governorships, leaving 40 counties led by male governors. This statistic serves as a testament to the ongoing male dominance in Kenyan politics.
Beyond the constitutionally mandated Woman Representative seat, various counties have struggled to elect women to other positions. For instance, Garissa, Mandera, Marsabit, Kajiado, Samburu, and Nyamira counties failed to elect any women to other elective seats in the recent elections. Cultural factors also play a significant role; in many northern counties, councils of elders function as powerful political gatekeepers. For instance, Ms. Gedhia Mamo from Marsabit County highlighted that these councils can decisively sway election outcomes.
Furthering their education, academy participants were guided to view elections as processes rather than discrete events. Mr. Obondo highlighted the importance of strategizing well before elections come around. “It is crucial to plan and research effectively, ensuring that manifestos are grounded in solid research,” he advised, equipping participants with practical tips for navigating the political landscape.
Another significant aspect of the academy involved teaching the relevance of tailored campaign strategies. Participants learned that political contexts vary dramatically across different regions in Africa, necessitating unique approaches to campaigning. This is compounded by the legal frameworks supporting women’s participation in politics, such as the Maputo Protocol, a vital resource for fostering gender equity in governance.
The inclusion of women with disabilities in politics is also a critical focus. Hon Caroline Agwanda, an advisor on disability inclusion, emphasized that political parties and Election Management Bodies must be sensitized to the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities. Addressing these barriers is fundamental for fostering a more inclusive political environment.
As media plays a crucial role in shaping narratives, experts at the academy stressed the need for journalists to adopt a gender-sensitive approach to reporting. International Gender and Development consultant Okumba Miruka argued that objective and informed reporting is essential for amplifying women’s voices in politics. Understanding how to leverage media platforms can equip participants with the necessary tools for effective political communication.
FAWE’s commitment to building capacity extends beyond political training. The Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Teresa Omondi-Adeitan, noted that past initiatives include training journalists alongside political aspirants to ensure a two-way learning process that leverages digital technology to advance political engagement.
Sifiso Dube, the Programme Officer for WPP from International IDEA, encouraged participants to embrace digitalization as a means of enhancing political participation. Understanding the tools available in the digital era is crucial for modern political engagement and activism, ensuring women are equipped to navigate the evolving landscape.
In her closing remarks, Josephine Mwangi, WPP Programme Manager, reaffirmed the participants’ roles as future leaders who can advance the women’s political agenda beyond the confines of the academy. Her encouragement highlighted the importance of their leadership in not just Kenya but across the African continent, using the vital tools and knowledge acquired to foster a more inclusive and dynamic political framework.
