Men in Meru have been urged to support women in leadership and end practices that intimidate and traumatize female leaders.
Imenti North Deputy County Commissioner Odilia Ndeti said gender-based violence and discrimination continue to derail the dreams of many women and girls.
Speaking during a Women in Leadership festival at the Kenya Methodist University over the weekend, Ndeti said women leaders still face resistance, discrimination and personal attacks despite their qualifications and contribution to society.
She said SGBV is rampant in Meru.
The event, organized by Inua Mama Mjane Chief Executive Officer Cynthia Kananu, brought together pupils and students from primary and secondary schools as well as institutions of higher learning to advocate for inclusivity of women in leadership.
Various speakers said perceptions of male chauvinism remain widespread in Meru.
Ndeti emphasized the need for inclusivity, respect and equal opportunities for women in decision-making positions, urging communities to judge leaders based on integrity and performance.
She recounted her childhood experiences, saying boys bullied and traumatized her and fellow girls during her primary school years by tearing their books and undermining their education.
“Despite my parent being a teacher, boys still traumatized girls because society viewed women as people meant to serve men, perform household chores and give birth,” she said.
Ndeti said harmful cultural practices and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) have shattered the dreams of many victims.
“We still have very many people whose dreams were shattered due to bad culture. No one should condone any kind of SGBV. Women tell me how they still carry childhood wounds up to their graves over rape or defilement. Men also share their ordeal of being sodomized and keep asking where their protection is,” she said.
The festival was sponsored by BaoBAB Foundation, which focuses on improving education through mental health and wellbeing support for children and teachers.
Meru first lady Miriam Cherotich, challenged residents to take a stand against violence targeting women and girls.
“There is need to change the narrative in Meru. Let us work towards ending SGBV and femicide,” she said.
Meru County Gender Director Hellen Kaberia urged victims and witnesses of abuse to speak out against all forms of SGBV, including sexual, physical, emotional, economic and cultural violence.
Anti-FGM Board member Beatrice Mburugu also called on parents to allow children the freedom to pursue their ambitions and abandon harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM).
“There are 22 counties, including Meru, that are FGM hotspots. Let us celebrate men who protect women and champion their rights,” Mburugu said.
The leaders said empowering women and protecting girls from violence would strengthen families, institutions and national development.
