There's no deepening democracy without engaging women – official

Various players and stakeholders on women's issues have launched an analysis of the political participation of women in the political economy.

The launch happened on Tuesday at the Pride Inn Hotel, Nairobi.

During the launch, UN Women deputy country representative Dan Bazira said there is no way there can be discussions on deepening democracy without engaging women.

"This political analysis report gives perspective on how barriers in women's political lives are evolving," Bazira said.

He said challenges women face in the political arena have shifted from violence to brutal online attacks.

Bazira said women face sexual harassment in political parties.

He also said the cost of women running for office has become a nightmare.

Bazira said the UN is supporting gender equality by strengthening government agencies to coordinate and provide oversight in the implementation of legislation of policies that advance gender equality.

Bazira noted that in the 2022 general elections, women's representation was better as it improved from 7.7 per cent to 10.6 per cent.

He said the journey to implementation of the two-third gender rule has not been a walk in the park.

He urged players to look into the report and not ignore the recommendations therein in a bid to help achieve the two-third gender rule.

"If we put together our efforts, our resources then we'll be in a position to challenge the two-third gender bill which has been in discussion for over ten years," he said.

Representatives from UN Women, State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, Kewopa and AMWIK among others were present.