Josephta Mukobe, appointed principal secretary in 2013, became the first woman with a disability to hold such a position in Kenya. Her appointment marked a significant milestone in the country's efforts to address systemic marginalization. Mukobe emphasized that women with disabilities often remain on the periphery of societal structures, frequently overlooked in critical decision-making processes.
International frameworks like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (Cedaw) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities underscore the need for equitable treatment. Kenya, having ratified both treaties, faces obligations to guarantee human rights protections for women and girls with disabilities, including access to healthcare, education, and political participation.
The African Union's African Disability Protocol highlights the heightened risks of violence, exploitation, and neglect faced by women with disabilities. Cedaw's 2019 review of Kenya expressed concerns over restricted legal capacities, limited property rights, and instances of forced sterilization, urging the government to prioritize their inclusion in policy frameworks.
Civil society organizations led by women with disabilities advocate for systemic change, arguing that their exclusion from national dialogues undermines effective human rights implementation. A 2019 report by the Kenyan Network Advocating for the Rights of Women and Girls with Disabilities warned that neglecting their perspectives risks perpetuating unaddressed violations of their rights.
As Kenya observes International Women's Day, advocates stress the importance of integrating disability inclusion into broader gender equality efforts. Self-advocacy remains a vital tool for women with disabilities to ensure their voices shape societal progress, aligning with the global push for 'Balance for Better' in all development initiatives.
