Day turns into platform to rally more ladies to join politics
The International Women’s Day celebrations in Siaya was yesterday turned into a political platform where elected female leaders urged women to jostle for political seats to address their issues, effectively.
Led by Siaya Woman Rep Christine Ombaka, they asked more women to compete for elective positions for them to have a say on development matters.
Ombaka asked women not to fear competing with men for elective positions in the August contest.
“Majority of women fear coming out and vying for elective seats because society will look down upon them,” said Ombaka, adding that democracy and women dignity will be enhanced if women engage men in political competition.
Ombaka who was the chief guest regretted that women still shy away from politics despite the achievements registered in the Nyanza region by pioneer women politicians including Phoebe Asiyo, Grace Ogot and Grace Onyango.
“With the exit of former MPs ;Asiyo, Ogot and Onyango from active politics, there have not been many serious women turning up to run for the political seats in Nyanza but today provides us with an opportunity to know our political challenges and possible remedies,” said Ombaka.
The event that was held at Asembo Nyilima in Rarieda Sub-County, saw women aspiring for various positions highlighting their viable manifestos as they warned incumbents to prepare for a bruising battles ahead of August 9 election.
Akinyi Bella, who is eying the Siaya Governor’s seat on an ODM ticket said she is ready to fight it out with senior political bigwigs who have declared interest in the seat. “This time round, the men who are eyeing the governor’s seat will also feel me on the ground. I am ready to give them a run for their money.”
Former Siaya Committee Executive Member for Education Pamella Akello who is eying the Woman Rep seat said she has ventured into politics so as to fight for girl child education. “Girls and women still face great challenges in education. My campaigns will focus on rededication and allocation of more resources to girl-child education.
