- The seven women, with the collaboration of other significant female figures in the country aim to work together to deliver the promise of devolution.
- This is through socio-economic development, political strategy, good governance, accountability, access to Justice and institutional strengthening pillars.
Image: FILE
On March 7, 2024, the Council of Governors women caucus came together and launched the G7 strategy.
This was done to empower and provide support to women leaders within the devolved structures.
The G7 group includes Chair of the Council of Governors and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Wavinya Ndeti of Machakos and Susan Kihika of Nakuru.
Others are Fatuma Achani of Kwale, Cecily Mbarire of Embu Gladys Wanga of Homabay and embattled Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
Following the launch in Kenya, the caucus moved to New York for a launch of the chapter, which was done in collaboration with Oxfam USA.
This aimed to mobilise partners to support the strategies' implementation.
Present at the launch was the wife of former Prime Minister Ida Odinga.
Having met twice since its launch, what does the G7 aim to achieve?
The seven women, with the collaboration of other significant female figures in the country, aim to work together to deliver the promise of devolution.
This is through socio-economic development, political strategy, good governance, accountability, access to Justice and institutional strengthening pillars.
"Women are not just beneficiaries of development efforts but are powerful agents of change, catalysts for economic growth and pillars of societal stability thus the need to invest in their empowerment," Waiguru said.
They are also working towards increasing their chances of re-election and improving the opportunity to elect more women governors past the two-thirds constitutional gender threshold.
During the New York launch, the G7 received recommendations to enable sustainable implementation of the strategy.
These include the need to develop a mentorship programme to support women leaders at the grassroots level and the establishment of a strong communication and branding strategy.
Waiguru said among the aims of the strategy is guiding the current women governors in remaining relevant and responsive to the needs of the community and, providing clarity and priorities for intervention.
She noted the great need to utilise the seven women governors as a springboard for other aspiring women leaders.
She also stated the need to widen women’s representation base from the Members of Parliament and ensure they are propelled to the next level of leadership.
During the G7s launch in Kenya, President William Ruto affirmed his commitment to gender equality saying he will support alternative gender representation at the topmost leadership positions as one of the means of attaining gender representation.
On August 16, during the second meet-up in Kenya, the G7 advisory Council was unveiled at an event at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County.
Mama Ida Odinga presided over the event, acknowledging that the Council of Governors had taken bold and advisory steps in launching the G7 strategy focusing on the empowerment of women and ensuring their active participation in leadership particularly in women-led counties.
"In our journey, we should not just look at the political area alone, we shouldn't look at the G7 alone, we must start from the grassroots," she said.
"We must always remain committed to the principles of G7 whose clarion call is from G7 to G24. Let's support and uplift the women in our communities who have to lead. Let's work together to create a fully inclusive Kenya."
Ida said women and men should work together hand in hand to end discrimination and inequalities.
"I call upon all our leaders, partners and citizens to continue the work that has been started. Provide resources and share best practices that can be replicated across the country. We must also recognise the invaluable roles that make men our allies in this journey," Ida said.