Broken political promises
In 2010 Kenya passed a new constitution which was the first in its history to recognise gender equality. The constitution promised a more diverse government with quotas in place to increase the number of women and people with disabilities. Yet, today this constitution has not been put into practice and women have been unable to make key decisions that impact their lives and communities.
An established and growing women’s movement
Kenya’s women’s movement has a vast, rich history. Women have been instrumental in various resistance movements throughout the country’s history, including in the fight for Kenya’s independence.
The movement continues to grow, with young women eager to join and expand on issues tackled by the movement.
Working with our partners in Kenya
With our partners we work to continue to press for the realisation of the 2010 constitution. With women as leaders, decisions are more likely to consider issues women face. Alongside this we work with our partners to address violence against women and girls such as female genital mutilation and child marriage.
Kenya’s women’s movement has proved to be a powerful vehicle for change with a number of successes in its history. Yet the movement is divided. We’re working to make the movement more inclusive, that includes the rights of young women, rural women, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (LBT) people and women with disabilities.
We will continue to work with women’s right activists in Kenya, determined to break down barriers that women and girls, particularly those most marginalised, face.
