Kenya commemorated International Women’s Day on Saturday with firm commitments to accelerate gender equality, emphasizing its importance for inclusive growth and national stability.
President William Ruto highlighted his administration’s proactive measures to eliminate barriers to women’s advancement through targeted policies, legal reforms, and budgetary allocations.
“Empowering women and girls is not only a matter of justice and equality, but also a catalyst for building a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous society,” Ruto said.
He also reaffirmed Kenya’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5, noting progress in increasing women’s political participation and combating harmful practices such as female genital cutting and early marriage.
At celebrations held in Homa Bay County, First Lady Rachel Ruto echoed the president’s message, describing gender equity as a pillar of national development, resilience, and peacebuilding.
She praised growing opportunities for women in politics, education, and business while urging continued efforts. The First Lady also reflected on progress made since the landmark 1995 Beijing Declaration, which she said paved the way for women’s empowerment across Kenya.
UN Women Representative Antonia N’gabala Sodonon also voiced strong support for the swift enforcement of laws to end gender-based violence and uphold women’s rights and dignity.
