The Institute of Human Resource Management has raised concerns over Parliament's failure to implement the two-thirds gender rule, calling it a setback for women's leadership. As International Women’s Day was observed on March 8, the institute highlighted the risk of reversing progress made in empowering women through education and workplace initiatives.
The organization voiced its criticism during its annual Women in Human Resource convention held at the Lake Naivasha Resort. IHRM executive director Dorcas Wainaina accused lawmakers of acting in bad faith, emphasizing that the Constitution explicitly provides for gender representation. She argued that the stalled legislation undermines efforts to address systemic barriers facing women in professional settings.
Wainaina stated that the conference aimed to create a platform for women to share workplace challenges and develop solutions. "While we celebrate International Women’s Day, we must confront the realities women face in their careers," she said. "This includes persistent wage gaps and limited opportunities compared to male colleagues, both locally and globally."
The institute cited disparities in human resource sector compensation as a key issue. Despite societal advancements, Wainaina stressed that legislative inaction on the gender rule threatens to stall progress. Kenya Private Sector Alliance CEO Carole Kariuki urged women MPs to explore alternative strategies for achieving representation, stating stakeholders would collaborate to find solutions for equitable leadership across all sectors.
