By Anne Nyambura
As the world commemorates the 30th anniversary of the landmark 1995 Beijing Conference, Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organization (MYWO) has taken a historic step by bringing together Kenyan women who attended the pivotal gathering. The event served as a powerful platform for these trailblazers to share personal experiences, reflect on progress made over the past three decades, and highlight areas requiring urgent attention.
The Beijing +30 Kenya report was officially launched during the event, providing an in-depth analysis of Kenya’s strides in gender equality since the Fourth World Conference on Women. It underscores achievements, challenges, and the path forward in the country’s pursuit of women’s rights and empowerment.
Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau reaffirmed the government’s dedication to advancing gender equality, urging both men and women to collaborate in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). Speaking at the launch, Wanjau emphasized that eliminating GBV is critical to achieving the country’s broader development goals. She encouraged women to continue advocating for their rights, stressing that gender equity is a shared responsibility.
“The government remains fully committed to closing gender gaps by 2030. We must work together—men and women—to eliminate gender-based violence and ensure every woman and girl enjoys equal opportunities,” Wanjau stated.Maendeleo ya Wanawake Chairperson Rahab Muiu called on the government to prioritize women’s economic empowerment by supporting development projects tailored to uplift women financially. She highlighted that sustainable economic opportunities for women are key to achieving long-term gender equality.
“The Beijing Conference laid a strong foundation for women's empowerment. However, more action is needed to ensure that women have access to economic opportunities, financial support, and resources that can help them thrive,” Muiu remarked.The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted in 1995, remains a cornerstone in the global movement for gender equality. Over the past three decades, Kenya has made notable progress in women’s representation in leadership, education, and legal reforms. However, challenges such as gender-based violence, economic inequality, and limited access to healthcare and education persist.
The Beijing +30 Kenya report serves as a critical tool in assessing the country’s journey towards gender equality, reaffirming the need for continued collaboration between the government, civil society, and private sector in bridging remaining gaps.
