The Kenyan constitution, adopted in 2010, provides for gender equality in a number of clauses. Nevertheless, women in Kenya find it difficult to get into political leadership positions and are significantly underrepresented in public office. Parliament, for example, is supposed to be composed of a maximum of two-thirds of the same gender and additionally includes 47 elected women’s representatives, yet only 22% of MPs are women. Demands from civil society to give women better access to such positions remain unfulfilled. Prominent politician and lawyer Martha Warangi Karua is committed to addressing the exclusion and marginalisation of women in Africa. As a candidate for the presidency and long-time member of parliament, her life story is an inspiring one for young women in Africa. We discuss Martha‘s impressive and challenging life journey, the situation of women in Kenya as well as opportunities to contribute more to gender equality.

The event is part of the #femalechangemaker series, in which Karoline Gil introduces women from around the world who promote freedom, human rights and democracy in their respective countries.

With this event, organised in cooperation with the German Africa Foundation and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom is aiming to raise awareness about the goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda adopted in 2015, particularly in the area of human rights and the rule of law.

Programm:

Welcome Remarks:

Johanna Hasting, Leiterin des Landebüros Baden-Württemberg, Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit

Introductory remarks: Women in politics and society in Kenya

Martha Wangari Karua, Member of Parliament, former Minister of Water Resources Management and Development (2003 – 2005); Minister of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs (2005-2009)

Discussion:

Martha Wangari Karua, Member of Parliament, former Minister of Water Resources Management and Development (2003 – 2005); Minister of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs (2005-2009)

Sabine Odhiambo, Dept. Secretary General , German Africa Foundation

Moderation:

Karoline Gil

If you are interested in participating, kindly send an e-mail with your name and contact details to service@freiheit.org

The seminar will be hosted in English and translated into German.