Kenya: Italy Commits 150,000 Euros to Support Participation of Women in the Electoral Process
By NewsfromAfrica
Nairobi--The Government of the Italy today committed 150,000 Euros (Kshs. 16,500,000) to support participation of women in the ongoing electoral process in Kenya.
““The Government of Italy places priority on voter education and that is the reason why we have chosen to provide funding specifically targeting voter education amongst women,” said H.E. Paola Imepriale, Ambassador of the Republic of the Italy to Kenya.
This funding will specifically target to increase opportunities for women participation in the ongoing electoral process that will culminate into a general election on March 4, 2013.
Speaking during the cooperation agreement signing ceremony at the UNDP offices in Nairobi, Ms. Maria-Threase Keating, UNDP Kenya Country Director, emphasized that the support from the Government of Italy comes at a critical time in Kenya with only 15 weeks remaining to the 2013 general elections.
Tackling governance, leadership and electoral participation from a gender transforming perspective involves considering women as responsible individuals capable of taking decisions and indispensable for their societies’ democratization processes.
The Constitution of Kenya brings with it a great anticipation by all groups in the country, especially women, for real change on issues pertaining to human rights, gender equality, equitable participation in decision-making, and the devolution of power.
Article 27, recognizes the principle of gender equality as a key national value and a guiding principle for secure access to opportunities as well as a guarantee for effective representation by women. Ms. Keating commended Italian Government for their concentration on advancement of gender inclusion in civic education and political representation.
“It is important to fulfill the gender quota through the upcoming elections in order to honour the equality principle as envisioned in the all-inclusive Kenyan Constitution,” said Ms. Keating.