The forum, which was held at the TANGO conference hall, seeks to promote more participation of women in politics and leadership positions in the country.
The initiative forms part of UNDP’s peace building fund project that is aimed at advancing women political participation.
The forum centred on key issues such as legislation, research and policy analysis, strategic planning, lobbying techniques, negotiation and persuasion, media engagement of CSOs, community mobilisation and public speaking with TANGO’s Gender working group.
At the event, Thomas Kimaru, project manager, who doubles as UNDP representative, stated that the initiative is part of UN’s vision to empower women especially in politics to enhance their economic participation.
He maintained that the move is inspired by the UN Charter which strongly advocates for men and women participation as signed and accepted by all United Nations member states.
The objective of the project, he added, is to increase the number of women in leadership positions, saying ‘it is known that women are unrepresented at all sectors, even at the community level.’
While underscoring the significance and timely nature of the forum, he equally bemoaned the low numbers of women in active politics both at community and national levels.
“For a democracy to be inclusive, we cannot leave some members of the community, especially those that constitute the majority of the population and voters behind."
Alagie Cham, program officer, TANGO, who spoke on behalf of the Executive Director, acknowledged gains made toward inclusivity, but the fact remains that women are still significantly underrepresented in decision-making positions across the globe.
That imbalance, he said, does not only undermine the principles of equality and justice, but also deprives societies of the diverse perspectives essential for effective governance.
Cham highlighted that the role of CSOs in advocating for women's political participation cannot be overstated, as the organisations serve as vital conduits for change, driving awareness and mobilising communities to recognise the importance of inclusive leadership.
Moreover, he reminded that, CSOs are instrumental in providing training and resources to aspiring women leaders, equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate the political landscape.
“By offering mentorship programs, workshops, and networking opportunities, our organizations empower women to step into leadership roles with confidence. It is through these initiatives that we can build a new generation of women leaders who are not only prepared to lead but also committed to championing the rights and needs of their communities."
Thus, he implored CSO’s to reaffirm their commitment in advocating for women's political participation and leadership and to create a future where all voices are heard, and where women lead alongside men in shaping a more just and equitable society.
