Last week, the sight of Kenya's seven women governors uniting to launch the G7 strategy, a plan to empower and support female leadership, was a powerful testament to the strides our nation has made.
Witnessing their support for a new generation of young women eager to step into leadership roles was truly inspiring.
However, President William Ruto's recent statement regarding a possible woman deputy president by his number two Rigathi Gachagua's side in the 2032 election sparked a surprise in me, quickly evolving into a thrilling anticipation.
While the idea of a female deputy president might have seemed distant just a generation ago, the conversation is no longer a matter of "if" but "when." Kenya boasts a rich history of female trailblazers who have shattered the glass ceiling.
Women leaders such as the late Grace Onyango and Prof Margaret Kobia have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for others to follow. Their achievements serve as a testament to the immense potential that women possess in driving positive change and development in our society.
Kenya boasts a remarkable pool of accomplished women leaders across various sectors. From seasoned politicians such as Martha Karua and Charity Ngilu to business moguls such as Wavinya Ndirangu and technological innovators like Juliana Rotich, the talent pool is brimming. These women possess the intellect, experience and leadership qualities necessary to excel as deputy president.
Across the globe, the rise of Kamala Harris as the first woman Vice President of the United States exemplifies a dramatic shift in leadership possibilities. Her success demonstrates that a woman can not only hold the second-highest office but paves the way for future female presidents. Similarly, President Samia Suluhu of Tanzania is leading her nation with commendable strength.
These international developments serve as powerful motivators. However, for me, a personal hero shines even brighter: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Her inspirational autobiography details her journey leading war-torn Liberia from the brink.
Sirleaf, in the face of a nation Churchill once described as a "conundrum, wrapped in complexity and stuffed inside a paradox," ushered in an era of prosperity. Her story serves as a potent reminder of the immense capacity women possess for transformative leadership.
The impact of strong female role models extends far beyond the present. My daughter, Wangare, finds immense inspiration in seeing women leaders who share her gender and aspirations.
Supporting the G7's mission is not just about empowering women today, but about nurturing the next generation who will look up to these leaders and see themselves reflected in positions of power.
Including a woman's voice in the highest office fosters more inclusive and equitable decision-making. Women leaders often prioritise issues like education, healthcare and social welfare – areas crucial for national development. Their unique perspectives can enrich policy discussions and lead to more comprehensive solutions.
Kenya has consistently championed women's empowerment on the international stage. A woman deputy president would solidify our commitment to gender equality and earn us global respect.
A woman deputy president would send a powerful message to young girls across Kenya: that leadership has no gender. It would dismantle stereotypes and inspire future generations to pursue their ambitions without limitations.
President Ruto's call for political parties to nominate female presidential running mates in future elections is a crucial step towards achieving gender parity in leadership. It presents a strategic opportunity to groom a strong female candidate who can stand alongside Rigathi Gachagua in the 2032 election.
By embracing this strategy, Kenya can not only solidify its position as a progressive nation but also inspire a generation of young women like Wangare to dream big and shatter any remaining barriers.
The road to a woman deputy president in 2032 might require calculated steps and unwavering commitment.
But with the groundwork laid by trailblazers, the inspiration drawn from international success stories, and the unwavering support for initiatives like the G7, Kenya is demonstrably ready to embrace a future where a woman stands strong as the nation's second-in-command.
This is not just a possibility; it's a future we, as a nation, can confidently work towards.
