Narok county has become the sixth county in the country to pass and officially launch a Gender Policy.
The county follows in the steps on Makueni, Kisumu, Meru, Migori and Isiolo who officially launched theirs last week.
The process to form the policy has been in the works for a long time, with rights groups and community-based organisations championing its passage.
The policy was drafted with the help of the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) and grassroots organisations with the help of the Center for Rights Awareness and Education (CREAW-Kenya).
At the launch of the policy in Narok’s Ole Ntimama Stadium, KEWOPA’s Mercy Mwangi expressed hope for what the policy would do for the county.
“One of the goals of launching the policy is to ensure the rights and equality of every mother and to help girls avoid circumcision and early marriage,” she said.
Lorna Nkokua, Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Chairperson in Narok said that the policy would empower many girls in Narok so they do not lag behind the boys.
“It is time that men and boys recognize the part they must play in gender equality and join with the voices and actions of the women and girls who are trying to re-shape society in the interests of us all,” she added.
Isaac Masinde, Narok County Commissioner, was present to officially launch the gender policy.
He said that they would work to make sure that the policy benefits the people of Narok county fully.
“We are ready to support the implementation of the policy and work with stakeholders to address Female Genital Mutilation, child marriages, and all the forms of sexual gender-based violence in our communities,” he said.
Masinde also recognised and awarded grassroots women and community champions who played a key role in championing gender equality in the county.
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