Enhancing Women’s Political Leadership and Decision-Making in Kenya

This project aims to increase women’s participation in political leadership and decision-making. It directly benefits women aspiring for political leadership including young women incumbent members of parliament elected and nominated members of county assemblies county peace committee members and women living with disabilities also survivors of violence against women in elections. Project activities include: (1) running episodes in the form of a TV reality show broadcasted on national television reaching 3 million Kenyans per week and profiling women leaders in audio visual and print media. This include the production of TV and radio documentaries of women leaders; (2) working with five women’s rights organizations two dedicated to working with people living with disabilities government political parties and the media; and also working with members of the academia and faith-based organizations to challenge discriminatory social norms that prevent women’s leadership and advocate for women’s political rights; (3) building the leadership capacity of young women aspirants and women leaders on effective lobbying communication and decision-making; and (4) providing support to women survivors of violence in elections to access essential services (including legal aid) and seek accountability.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased women’s participation in electoral processes in Kenya; (2) prevention and response to violence against women in elections in Kenya; and (3) enhanced enabling environment for community religious leaders media and political parties supporting women’s leadership in Kenya.