OTISO: Raila's pick for running mate big win for women

The anxiety Kenyans had about the running mate position is now over after DP William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga named their potential deputies. 

Raila's naming of Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua is a win for women leadership.

Kenya has made history to have a woman for the running mate position.

For many years, women have felt helpless when men only picked their fellows as running mates.

Women in Kenya have not been exceeding one-third of elected positions as provided for in the Constitution but if Raila wins, it will also be a win in the political spectrum as long as gender rule is concerned.

Women have not been accorded equal chances in social, and economic fields. It has only remained a dream despite the United Nations recognising women as powerful agents of peace, change and far-reaching benefits of gender leadership and decision making.

Globally, women have been discriminated against by political leadership and the decision makers.

This is because they are regarded as weak subjects in society.

Some societies don't allow women to lead men.

But now women have a place in the Kenyan leadership.

According to the UN, women are have unique and transforming ideas  that can change the economy of a region.

They can make bold decisions that cannot be achieved by men, despite them facing challenges since they cannot be treated equally as their male counterparts.

Karua has consistently fought for the protection of women's rights and the improvement of the democratic space. Due to this women, feel they are now well represented in the higher elective positions.

They have always felt their rights have been violated for years.

It is high time other countries also consider women in leadership positions. It is encouraging to see some countries being led by women.

They have all taken up critical roles and proven to the world that they, too, have all it takes to lead.

Kenyan women now feel encouraged and motivated, ready to move in elective positions.

Some women in Kenya have previously given up in engaging in politics due to discrimination and harassment but they are now motivated to do more.

Gender equality has been a topic of discussion in Kenya for years but now there is some gain.

Such decisions should be made in years to come, and other countries should continue to address social cultural and other challenges that inhibit the formulation of implementation of programmes and policies aimed at women empowerment.

Communication and media student at Rongo University 

Edited by Kiilu Damaris