Kisumu Summit Sets Bold Path for Gender Equality and Women’s Rights

KISUMU — A high-level meeting convened in Kisumu this week marked a pivotal moment in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gender gap and advance women’s rights. With a focus on tangible actions rather than just policies, leaders from various sectors gathered to discuss critical issues impacting women and girls, including access to justice, service delivery, and women’s role in peacebuilding.

The meeting underscored the stark reality that despite numerous efforts, Kenya’s gender gap in labour force participation remains a significant 18%. This persistent disparity serves as a reminder that policies alone cannot bring about the muchneeded transformation. Instead, the nation requires bold, strategic actions to dismantle the systemic barriers that have historically hindered women's full participation in society.

Among the key priorities discussed was the critical issue of access to justice. Although the Kenyan legal system has made strides in protecting women’s rights, the meeting highlighted that many women still face barriers to effectively accessing justice. These barriers include long delays in the court system, financial constraints, and a lack of legal awareness.

The commitment to improving access to justice aims to ensure that laws serve the needs of women, allowing them to seek redress when their rights are violated without fear of prejudice or discrimination. This includes enhancing legal literacy among women, strengthening the legal aid system, and addressing institutional biases that prevent women from securing justice.

This meeting in Kisumu is a pivotal moment for Kenya, marking the beginning of a renewed, focused approach to gender equality and women’s rights. While challenges remain, the path forward is clearer, and the resolve to make meaningful progress is stronger than ever.

Participants engaging in discussions at the High-Level Meeting in Kisumu