Women organisations and other entities involved with gender issues want proper implementation of policies aimed at stopping cases related to gender exploitation and recognition of sextortionist as a major crime.
This comes at a time the debate concerning the increase in cases of gender-based violence and gender-based corruption continues to hit headlines following a recent reports in Kenya.
Speaking during a women in business summit held at a hotel in Eldoret, participants from both government and private entities cited the challenges most women face in the society to access key services such as being asked for sexual favours by officials.
The County Government of Uasin Gishu Chief Officer for Gender and Social Protection Marion Birgen said the county had made significant stride in establishing laws and regulations to mitigate such challenges.
“This comes at backdrop when as Uasin Gishu through Governor Jonathan Bii we have a progressive policy on gender and community development. This policy that goes a long was in addressing gender based issues in every aspect and intervention within the county. This will ensure inclusivity,” said CO Birgen.
She also added that there is need of equity and equality of everyone in development
The called for proper implementation of existing laws to ensure offenders are punished.
The organisers of the summit said the objective of the summit whose theme was: leading with purpose, empowering women,enhancing entrepreneurship and economic empowerment was to empower women to understand their rights and also expose them to business opportunities.
On her part the Executive Director of Life Lifters Kenya organisation Cynthia Muhonja said women in Uasin Gishu and many other parts of the country need economic empowerment because a lot of women are still untapped when it comes to economic empowerment.
“We wanted to create a space where women can come and network and learn together sharing ideas and that is the basis of launching the Eldoret Women in Business Summit,” said Muhonja.
According to one of the participants, Idah Otieno, stated that young women currently face the challenge of sexual harassment whenever they go to seek opportunities.
“As young women, we have the power to make a difference to make a change. We appeal to those who are ahead of us both female and male kindly embrace us,guide us and lead us. We do not have to go through the pain of having to offer sexual benefit for you to be able to assist us,” said Idah.
Chief Officer Marion was accompanied by the Director Licensing Mr Shadrack Ronoh.
