President William Ruto has emphasised the need for society to raise boys in a way that they will never find the need to affirm their masculinity at the expense of women.
He condemned Gender Based Violence especially against women, adding that it is mostly motivated by the primitive expression of gender-based totality.
“It is time for each of us, political leaders, public officers, religious leaders, traditional institutions and families to do our part in raising boys into morally upright men, who will need to affirm their masculinity at the expense of women,” he said.
“But instead contribute to making our society just, safe, equal and inclusive.”
Ruto, who spoke on Thursday during the State of the Nation at Parliament, said femicide incidents will cause women to feel increasingly unsafe even in their own homes.
“This is both tragic and unacceptable,” he said.
The President said the incidents complicate the struggle by women for inclusion, equality, social justice, dignity and their rights.
He said those who will be found culpable of femicide will “face the full force of law”.
Ruto said he has already tasked Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to reach out and facilitate collaborative, broad-based and multi-sectoral deliberations and recommend effective and radically transformative and affirmative solutions within the next six months.
Noting that his administration engaged the leadership of the Parliament with recommendations on a working formula to actualise meaningful inclusion of women in national leadership.
He said there is a need to question the motives of reluctance to take the next step to actualise the two-thirds gender rule.
“Women are not second-class citizens. They deserve equal representation at all levels,” the President said.
On Wednesday, Ruto directed the criminal justice actors to execute their mandates without delay and hold the perpetrators of femicide fully accountable.
He spoke when he met with women leaders at the State House, Ruto said his administration is committed to ending all forms of violence
“As leaders, we are united in the resolve to ensure that justice is swift and efficient. I have instructed the criminal justice actors to execute their mandates without delay, holding perpetrators of femicide fully accountable,” he said.
Ruto called for the gender desks in police
stations to be enhanced, adding that the government will introduce similar
services in hospitals to ensure victims receive immediate attention and care.
Noting that social media has become a dangerous avenue for exploitation, he urged the youth to treat strangers on these platforms with utmost caution.
“Parents, schools, churches, and community organisations must step up to provide life skills, counselling, and guidance on these matters,” he added.
President Ruto urged religious leaders to use their platforms to speak positively about women and help the congregation understand that women’s rights are also human rights, creating a positive environment for women and children.
