Let us divert our attention to the woes surrounding Maendeleo ya Wanawake

By Reagan Nyadimo

reagannyadimo@yahoo.com

Women have played key roles in shaping this country over the past 50 years. Lack of them at the forefront of defining moments doesn’t rule them out completely from the events that have set pace for future generation. Women have continued to support men not just in Kenya but globally in a number of ways. They nurture leaders through their wisdom and high instinct, take care of their needs by offering advice and providing hospitality in their homes apart from building the country at the same time. In terms of strength, women can be rated as the strongest beings in this world because of their double roles in the society. Running a country is no easy task, the zest we see in our leaders is immensely contributed by women behind them. This rightly explain the adage, behind every successful man, there is a woman. However, not all women are playing their role in the comfort of their men, some have defied odds and brushed shoulders with men. They have been beaten up and locked up because of their ideals and what they stand for. This is why we still remember and celebrate the late Prof Wangari.

The list is endless. We would not be celebrating major breakthroughs in this year of Jubilee if it were not for women's efforts. It is sad though, that in Africa only 3-4 percent of all directors and board members are women. Worldwide, women hold about 11 percent of board seats at the world largest and best known companies.

It is with such mindset in Africa that in Kenya, the government and respected leaders have gone silent over woes affecting the Maendeleo ya Wanawake. This organization is currently facing a myriad of challenges. There are complains of overstaying in office by the current office holders and mis-appropriation of funds collected to spearhead the operations of the union. This organization have been on the forefront fighting for the empowerment of women and girl child. So many women have found reprieve from this organization and thousands of homes have been shaped because of the intervention of this organization. 

 Many children can now go to school because of the indulgence of this once powerful organization through various activities that consolidate cash to support economically challenged families. Yet we can afford to overlook all the gains made by this organization and see it go in ruins.

I call upon all women leaders especially our first lady to intervene in this matter and bring sanity to this organization. Let us support our women and listen to their cries. Women are equally important to this Nation without them, we are nothing as a country.