The Lower Eastern Leadership Summit brought together women leaders from Machakos, Kitui, and Makueni with the objective of mobilizing them in the fight against corruption, fostering a sharing of experiences, and empowering them with the necessary skills to excel in public participation and political leadership. The summit not only aimed to address the challenges faced by women in politics but also shed light on the strategies employed to overcome them and the vision for a corruption-free and gender-inclusive political system in Lower Eastern. This article aims to highlight the stories, experiences, and lessons shared by women leaders who vied in the 2022 general elections and lost, while exploring the role of feminist women movements, leadership, and mentorships in empowering women leaders in Kenya.
Challenges Faced by Women in Politics:
The women leaders at the summit shared a common experience of facing numerous challenges as they pursued their political ambitions. Gender bias, social expectations, limited access to resources, and patriarchal structures were among the obstacles encountered. They spoke passionately about the need to challenge traditional gender roles and societal norms that hindered their progress in politics. Discrimination, intimidation, and a lack of support systems were recurring themes in their narratives.
Strategies for Overcoming Challenges:
Despite the challenges they faced, the women leaders demonstrated resilience and employed various strategies to overcome them. They emphasized the importance of networking, building alliances, and forming support groups within and outside their respective counties. Mentoring and capacity-building programs played a crucial role in equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the political landscape. They also highlighted the significance of strategic positioning, grassroots mobilization, and community engagement as effective strategies for gaining political traction.
Vision for a Corruption-Free and Gender-Inclusive Political System:
The women leaders shared a collective vision for a corruption-free and gender-inclusive political system in Lower Eastern. They stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in combating corruption and ensuring good governance. They advocated for increased women’s representation in decision-making positions and policy formulation processes. They also highlighted the need for gender-responsive policies and programs that address the specific needs and challenges faced by women in society.
Insights from Experts and Mentors:
The summit featured experts and mentors who provided valuable insights and guidance to the women leaders. These experts emphasized the role of feminist women movements in challenging patriarchal structures and advocating for gender equality in the political arena. They highlighted the importance of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of women leaders and creating a supportive environment for their growth. The experts also emphasized the need for sustained efforts to address systemic barriers and biases that hinder women’s political participation.
The Lower Eastern Leadership Summit provided a platform for women leaders to come together, share their experiences, and empower each other in the pursuit of political leadership. The stories and lessons shared by the women leaders who had vied in the 2022 general elections and lost shed light on the challenges they faced, the strategies they employed to overcome them, and their vision for a corruption-free and gender-inclusive political system in Lower Eastern. The insights from experts and mentors further emphasized the role of feminist women movements, leadership, and mentorships in empowering women leaders and driving positive change in Kenya. As the summit concluded, the participants left with a renewed determination to continue their journey as agents of change and advocates for women’s rights in the political sphere.
