In the wake of Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua’s appointment as Azimio La Umoja Presidential running mate, women have come out to ask for the inclusion of other groups.
The Women Mediators Network of Kenya in conjunction with the African Women Leaders Network (ALWN), is calling for the inclusion of women and youth living with disabilities.
In a press briefing to celebrate Karua’s appointment on Tuesday, ALWN Vice-Chairperson Josephine Sinyo said the moment was a light at the end of a tunnel for women with disabilities.
"Women with disabilities see it that if a woman can be in her position, it makes it seem possible even for women with disabilities to be in such positions," she said.
She called on parties to adhere to the 2010 Constitution that emphasises compliance to the two-thirds gender rule which also has a place for people living with disabilities.
She further called on Parties to nominate People living with disabilities (PLWDs) both at the county and the National levels, especially representatives of Kenyans with disabilities.
"We appeal to Governors as well to consider and include PLWDs in their staff and County Executive Committees," Sinyo said.
She reminded leaders that women with disabilities are more vulnerable than men with disabilities in terms of Education, employment, privileges, and even opportunities.
“It would be history in the making if there are women with disabilities appointed among the women in nominative positions to represent children with disabilities, women with disabilities, elderly persons with disabilities and youth with disabilities,” she said.
She said that youth with disabilities are very marginalized and disproportionately disadvantaged, lacking the skills to be employed or work in some informal sectors like the Matatu industry.
Sinyo asked leaders to consider youth with disabilities in empowerment programmes such as Youth Funds.
