International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality and the persistent challenges women face. This year’s theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” highlights women’s vital role in building a sustainable future. Further, it asks us to recognise the connectedness of our struggle for equality, regardless of background or identity. Kenya has achieved significant milestones in establishing laws and policies that support Gender Equality and Social Inclusion. However, several factors including limited resources, weak links between ministries and between the national and county levels, negative pervasive norms, and attitudes about GESI, hinder the effective implementation of policies and laws. (USAID Final Gender Analysis Report, March 2020).
Despite these wins, we have a long journey ahead. From socio-economic justice to environmental activism, we see women in their diversity driving positive change. However, according to the Mama Cash and Astraea Lesbian Foundation report, ” Vibrant Yet Under-Resourced: The State of Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer Movements ,” highlight limited resources as a significant barrier to this progress. This directly impacts the work where women human rights defenders (WHRDs) are at the forefront of social movements. Another report by Kvinna till Kvinna, ” The State of Women Human Rights Defenders 2023 “, speaks to the violence WHRDs face globally. Whether fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, or basic human dignity, WHRDs are targeted, harassed, and even killed for their work. With the rise in attacks on the civic space, where we see authoritative governments increasingly pushing for a conservative narrative, WHRDs find it harder to operate on various concerns that face women freely.
It is important to recognise the inspiring examples of unity in Kenya. LGBTQ+ activists are joining forces with feminist organisations to forge a powerful alliance that pushes for change that caters to the needs of all women, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The IWD 2024 theme serves as a powerful call to action. To achieve equal opportunity for women and fuel development, we must: – Continuously create platforms that amplify the voices of WHRDs and their organisations. – Increase funding for WHRDs, particularly those leading LBQGNC movements and those working in high-risk environments. – Hold governments accountable for upholding the fundamental right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. – Invest in dismantling systemic barriers that perpetuate gender inequality and discrimination of all kinds. This IWD, let’s harness the collective power of all women to build a future where every woman, can live with dignity, safety, and equal opportunities. As we celebrate women, let their dedication inspire us to take concrete action towards a world where their voices are heard, their rights are protected, and their contributions are valued.
