In a decisive stride towards strengthening Kenya’s commitment to gender equality, the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) CEO, Purity Ngina, held a high-level strategic meeting with the President’s Women’s Rights Advisor, Harriette Chiggai, yesterday. The discussions, marked by urgency and a shared vision, centered on fortifying collaboration on women’s empowerment initiatives and preparing Kenya’s impactful presence at the forthcoming Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) session in New York later this year.
At the meeting, held in Nairobi, Ngina and Chiggai explored key areas of mutual interest aimed at amplifying women’s voices in policy and governance. Among the top priorities was the co-hosting of a high-level side event at CSW 2026, a premier international platform where nations convene to review progress, challenges, and strategies for advancing women’s rights globally.
“The discussions reflect a shared commitment to ensure that Kenya’s experiences, innovations, and challenges in gender equality are not only visible but influential on the international stage,” said CEO Ngina.
“We are determined to leverage this platform to push for actionable solutions, particularly around inclusion, economic empowerment, and protection of women’s rights.”
The CSW, scheduled for March 2026 at the United Nations headquarters, brings together government leaders, civil society, and private sector partners to deliberate on pressing issues affecting women worldwide. Kenya’s proactive engagement, as envisaged by Ngina and Chiggai, aims to spotlight initiatives such as women’s economic empowerment programs, gender-responsive policy frameworks, and inclusion strategies for marginalized groups, including women with disabilities and rural women.
Harriette Chiggai emphasized the importance of coordinated action between the Presidency and constitutional bodies like NGEC.
“Kenya has made remarkable strides in women’s rights domestically, but translating these achievements into influence on the global stage requires strategic partnerships and careful planning,” she noted.
Both Ngina and Chiggai expressed optimism that the upcoming side event at CSW will serve as a springboard for enhanced multi-sectoral collaboration. Discussions included identifying priority thematic areas, potential panelists, and strategies to engage both governmental and non-governmental actors for maximum impact.
By strategically positioning Kenya on the global stage, the leadership aims to ensure that gender equality is not only an aspiration but a measurable reality.
