All seven elected women governors will gather in Machakos County starting tomorrow for the second edition of the G7 Initiative. This two-day event will feature tours of various county facilities, including health centers and a daycare, and will culminate in the groundbreaking of a Level 6 Hospital.
Additionally, the governors will host an interactive session at Kenyatta Stadium with over 5,000 women focused on empowerment and leadership.
Among those expected to attend are host governor Wavinya Ndeti, Council of Governors (CoG) chairperson Anne Waiguru, Gladys Wanga from Homa Bay, Susan Kihika from Nakuru, Fatuma Achani from Kwale, Kawira Mwangaza from Meru, and Cecily Mbarire from Embu.
Earlier this year, these seven governors united to launch the G7 Strategy, aimed at strengthening governance and promoting women’s leadership at the county level. The initiative is designed to empower women leaders and foster transformative governance in response to the ongoing need for greater gender equality in leadership and economic participation.
By focusing on key sectors, the G7 Strategy aims to create sustainable and inclusive growth.
Various governmental and non-governmental organizations have partnered in this initiative to support the empowerment of women leaders. Waiguru expressed her belief in the initiative, stating, “I believe we can do it.
I also encourage more women to take up political and governance positions and not to shy away from venturing into their field of interest.”
Ndeti emphasized the significance of the initiative, noting, “Women bring unique perspectives and insights to the table, essential for effective decision-making and governance. By empowering more women to take on leadership roles, we can build more inclusive and responsive institutions that serve the needs of all citizens.”
The G7 Strategy seeks to empower and support women leaders within devolved structures. Its objective is to strengthen women’s leadership and demonstrate effective, transformational, and strategic governance by increasing the number of women in leadership positions.
The main goal is to have 16 female governors elected in the next general elections in 2027, up from the current seven.
To deliver this ambition, the women committed to devout their efforts in mentoring aspiring female political leaders and equipping them to maneuver the political waters which can be murky.
Speaking during the event, H.E Governor Wavinya Ndeti pointed out that women need the support of their respective political parties for them to rise to positions of political leadership.
“Political parties should assist women to get into politics and once they are there, they should be entrusted with leadership positions to grow politically”, said Wavinya. She also lauded Wiper, ODM and UDA parties for leading from the front in matters of women’s leadership.
