Source: allAfrica.com
WOMEN have been challenged to come out and take political positions in 2012 for them to attain a third representation in Parliament. Women who want these positions countywide are handful and it may be a big challenge for them to attain this requirement as stipulated in the constitution.
According to Maendeleo ya Wanawake Coast chairperson Sureya Roble Hersi, the required number of women in Parliament can only be achieved through nomination. Most women have not declared their interests in order to be voted in, Sureya said.
"I have only heard of very few women intending to be voted for. This is very dangerous because we should also come out and be voted in like our male counterparts," she said. Speaking to the Star she said it is worrying because many women do not belong to any political party.
Remembering the past, Sureya said that many women have been disappointed during nominations. She said that at times political parties are manipulated by few individuals who are out to make money out of nominations.
"In most political parties, members who want to be nominated must give some money in order to be nominated. This has been a big reason why many women shy away from vying due to lack of financial influence and political connection at the upper level, "she said.
Sureya also said that many women are not qualified academically to compete in the said slots. She challenged women to go back to school in readiness of working in the devolved government.
On the same note, Sureya urged women to avoid being used by politicians in fulfilling their interests. Sureya who is also a Mombasa women representative hopeful also lamented that women lack media support. She said that this has made most women who can be good leaders to be ignored.
"In fact, research reveals that news is told largely through the voices and perspectives of men," she said. Having a 'say' about the ongoing electoral governance processes in country should be the right of all asked to ensure that election coverage supports freedom of expression for all, "she said. She challenged the media to ensure that they have views of women political candidates, voters, experts while covering their stories.