Advancing Gender Equality in Kenya: UN Women Deputy Executive Director Calls for Increased Investment
In a recent six-day Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda mission to Kenya, UN Women Deputy Executive Director (DED), underscored the importance of continued progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in the country. The visit served as a platform to showcase Kenya’s achievements while highlighting areas requiring further investment and collaboration.
DED Gumbonzvanda’s visit coincided with her first 100 days in office and the UN Civil Society Conference held in Nairobi. This confluence of events provided an opportunity to advocate for the centrality of gender equality in the “Summit of the Future” and the upcoming “Beijing+30” review process.
She emphasized the critical role of implementing existing commitments and ensuring hard-won gains are not eroded.
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Discussions with Kenyan government officials, including the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary for Gender, focused on strengthening support for the Generation Equality Action Coalition and the two-thirds gender principle.
DED Gumbonzvanda urged increased budgetary allocations for initiatives promoting women’s political participation, economic empowerment, and access to resources like the Women Enterprise Fund.
Empowering the Next Generation: The African Girls Can Code Initiative
A visit with graduates of the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI) proved to be a highlight of the mission. This program, supported by Belgium, equips young women with computer programming skills, paving the way for careers in the tech sector.
Gumbonzvanda’s interaction with these graduates underscored the transformative potential of investing in girls’ education and digital literacy.
Open discussions with Kenyan women’s rights organizations facilitated a deeper understanding of the current state of the women’s movement and ongoing challenges.
Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda mission to Kenya reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to supporting their work and amplifying their voices. Meetings with development partners, including the EU, Finland, and USAID, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and effective strategies to accelerate progress towards gender equality goals.
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Throughout her visit, DED Gumbonzvanda emphasized the critical role of sustained funding in maintaining momentum on gender equality initiatives. She commended development partners for their contributions and highlighted the risk of backsliding without continued investment.
Her mission to Kenya underscores the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to achieving gender equality. From government commitment to civil society activism and international partnerships, all actors have a vital role to play.
UN Women remains committed to supporting Kenya in its journey towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
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