Women's rights advocates across Kenya intensified calls for legal reforms and systemic changes during International Women's Day celebrations on March 8, 2019, emphasizing the need to address domestic violence and gender disparities.
In Mombasa, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko urged the government to declare domestic violence a national emergency by March 30, 2019, while advocating for 50/50 gender representation in leadership roles. "We are past two-thirds representation. We now demand for 50/50 representation," Mboko stated, highlighting the push for equitable political participation.
Haki Africa representative Wevyn Muganda condemned the normalization of gender-based violence, citing alarming cases such as femicide and sexual assault. "Women’s hands are being chopped off, expectant mothers beaten to death, children defiled, bodies dumped in dams with no consequences to the perpetrators," she said, linking the crisis to entrenched patriarchal power structures.
The Nation Media Group (NMG) recognized female leaders in its workforce, including Executive Editor Pamella Sittoni and regional editors, during a breakfast event in Nairobi. NMG CEO Stephen Gitagama pledged to increase women's workforce representation from 29% to 35% by 2020, citing merit-based promotions rather than gender quotas.
A global survey revealed only 27% of media leadership roles are held by women, with Kenya's figures lagging further. Trends and Insights for Africa Research founder Maggie Ireri noted men often negotiate higher pay, exacerbating the gender pay gap. NMG's human resources manager Jane Muiruri emphasized efforts to create family-friendly workplace policies.
The Carter Centre, an election monitoring group, urged Kenyan lawmakers to enforce the 2010 Constitution's two-thirds gender rule in public appointments. Meanwhile, Kenya Commercial Bank launched the #HearHerRoar campaign across six East African nations to promote gender equality.
In Nakuru, Ogiek community women participated in International Women's Day celebrations for the first time, with Woman Representative Liza Chelule encouraging greater political engagement. Similar events occurred in Tana River and Kakamega counties, underscoring nationwide efforts to advance women's rights.
