County Governments have invested heavily in programmes geared towards empowering women economically and advancing gender equality, Council of Governors chair Ann Waiguru has affirmed.
Waiguru said the programmes in healthcare, education and leadership seek to end poverty among women and foster inclusive and sustainable economic development for all.
She said devolved units have adopted a multifaceted approach to ensure women have equal opportunities.
“Several counties have integrated gender considerations into their development plans and budgets. By mainstreaming gender, these counties aim to ensure that resources and opportunities are equitably distributed among men and women, promoting equality and inclusivity,” she said.
Waiguru made the remarks on Friday at the 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) event in New York, United States.
CSW is the UN’s largest annual gathering on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Waiguru said some of the solutions adopted by counties to end women’s poverty include providing equal employment opportunities, increasing access to resources and financial assets, and mentorship for entrepreneurship and leadership.
She named others as training to end deep-rooted stereotypes that limit women’s participation in education, skills enhancement to increase their access to decent employment, and decision-making among others.
Giving an example of the Wezesha Kirinyaga empowerment programme, Waiguru said counties have established women's funds or economic empowerment programmes to provide financial support, training, and mentorship to women entrepreneurs.
“These programmes have helped women start or expand their businesses, thereby contributing to local economic growth,” she said.
She further said counties have implemented initiatives to support women in agribusiness by providing access to markets, training in modern farming techniques, and promoting value addition activities like food processing and agro-processing.
She added that adherence to the two-third gender rule in county appointments has enabled women to occupy positions of authority where they influence policy and laws that are responsive to women and girls.
The governor said counties have also prioritised healthcare initiatives targeting women and mothers through the establishment of maternal and child health clinics, providing prenatal and postnatal care services, and promoting family planning and reproductive health education.
Noting that more women than men are living in poverty, Waiguru said there is a need to ensure equal access to opportunities and allow women to be part of decision-making organs.