This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
As a seasoned advocate of the High Court of Kenya with 13 years of experience, Anne Ireri is passionate about women's rights, policy making, and resource mobilization for gender equality. In this interview, she shares her insights on the progress made towards achieving gender parity in Kenya.
Published on September 27, 2019, Ireri reflects on the privileges she enjoyed in her youth and how they have influenced her life. Growing up without access to many technological devices, she developed virtues such as patience and good social skills. She believes that this has helped her become a better advocate for women's rights.
Ireri acknowledges that Kenya has made significant gains in formulating laws and policies to promote gender equality. However, the challenge remains in implementation. She emphasizes the need for sustained engagement with political parties to ensure that they accommodate and promote women's participation through elections and nomination.
When asked if she sees Kenya attaining gender parity in the near future, Ireri is optimistic. She believes that the country is on the right path and that the gains made so far will be sustained with continued focus and effort.
Ireri also touches on the issue of toxic masculinity, which she attributes to the messaging in the media. She emphasizes the need for a re-evaluation of value systems and open dialogue on the issue. She also believes that the fight for women's rights has not been done at the expense of men, but rather as a gain for all.
As a mentor to young women who aspire to take up leadership, Ireri advises them to believe in their dreams and goals, and to make a firm resolve to pursue them. She also emphasizes the importance of having sincere and responsible mentors to guide them along the way.
