WAFULA MESHACK: More efforts needed to address issues facing women

Recently the world marked 16 days of activisism to campaigning against Gender Based Violence.

It was a nice move Kenya took by joining the rest of the world to fight for the rights of women.

Looking deep into the recent GBV campaign, it was only protecting women's rights on sexual harassment.

However, their rights are wide and should be looked deep in a larger perspective.

A large number of issues were not touched when fighting for their rights.

Starting from leadership, women rights were not addressed properly. 

This is a field that has been dominated by men for many years.

Promoting women's participation as equal in administering state and social affairs should be prioritised.

The government should ensure women have equal political rights and encourage them to participate in social affairs and democratic management.

The government should train more women to take up leadership positions without fear.

This entails them to be encouraged to participate extensively in consultation and deliberation on grassroots affairs.

The government should protect women when they inherit property from their late husbands.

These widows who majorly live in rural places, should be guaranteed equal rights to land contract and management. 

In health sector, their rights have not been seriously considered.

We have witnessed poor maternal care cases among other issues.

The government should strengthen efforts to prevent and treat common diseases in women and get the respect and dignity they deserve.

More hospital wards and rooms for nursing mothers and restrooms of family and friends should be constructed.

Women who experience high risk pregnancies should be attended to with immediate effect.

Single mothers, disabled, mentally challenged and poor mothers are some of which the government should at all levels take necessary measures to ensure they enjoy their rights freely.

Edited by Kiilu Damaris