HomeWeehub NewsConference on Women’s Economic Empowerment concludes with calls for abolishment of inhibitive socio-cultural norms, gender data utilisation

Conference on Women’s Economic Empowerment concludes with calls for abolishment of inhibitive socio-cultural norms, gender data utilisation

  • July 28, 2024
  • Posted by: SUSAN KIAMBATI KALANGI
  • Category: Weehub News
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Harmful cultural norms, lack of credible gender disaggregated data cited as some of the key barriers to gender equality

Principal Secretary State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, Ms. Anne Wang’ombe (Center)was the Chief Guest during the conference. She is flanked by Dr. Jemima Njuki (UN) (3rd from left), Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Waceke Wanjohi (5th from left), KU,DVC-Research Innovation and Outreach ,Prof. Caroline Thoruwa( 6th from left). 

Nairobi, 26 July 2024 – A three-day International conference on Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) has concluded at Kenyatta University, with a clarion call to policy stakeholders to utilise gender disaggregated data in WEE policy and programme design and implementation and challenge harmful socio-cultural norms

The conference, organised by the Kenyatta University Women’s Economic Empowerment (KU-WEE) Hub, brought together researchers, scholars, networking groups, and policy stakeholders to share knowledge and experiences under the theme “Initiatives for What Works to Advance Women’s Economic Empowerment”

Speaking during the conference, Principal Secretary State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, Ms. Anne Wang’ombe, reiterated the government’s commitment to the empowerment of women and girls. “The constitution of Kenya is clear on the place of women and girls in our society,” she said, adding that the Medium Term Plan III prioritizes Women’s Economic Empowerment and provides a strategic direction to fast track women’s economic empowerment, consequently harnessing their capacity to contribute to socio-economic growth.

Despite these strides, research findings shared revealed gaps in macro and microeconomic financial systems, inhibitive cultural norms and inadequate gender data as some of the key barriers to sustainable WEE.

Member of Parliament for Mbita, Millie Odhiambo called on women to learn to question decisions and challenge barriers that limit them to the periphery. She urged them to develop strategic personal and professional goals and dare to occupy spaces that have hitherto been men’s. The MP lauded women who support other women and girls, adding, “I have introduced the Assisted Reproductive Technology bill and family reproductive healthcare bill to address infertility and reproductive health issues respectively”.

Participants agreed that there is need for collective efforts in ensuring that research data is aggressively advocated for and utilised in WEE policy and programme design and implementation.

The Vice-Chancellor, Kenyatta University, Prof. Waceke Wanjohi, emphasised the University’s commitment to the continued generation of credible data to inform WEE policies and programmes at both the county and national levels. “As a university, we endeavour to work towards ensuring meaningful participation by women in economic decision-making at all levels, from the household to international institutions”, she said.