Kenyan Delegation Rallies Great Lakes Region Behind Gender Parity Campaign
The delegation, led by Senate Speaker Rt. Hon. Amason Kingi, is attending the 15th Ordinary Session of the Forum of Parliaments of the ICGLR (FP-ICGLR) in Luanda, Angola.
A high-powered delegation from the Parliament of Kenya has rallied member states of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) to strengthen efforts toward achieving gender parity and inclusivity in leadership. Parliament of Kenya.
By Robert Assad
A high-powered delegation from the Parliament of Kenya has rallied member states of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) to strengthen efforts toward achieving gender parity and inclusivity in leadership.
The delegation, led by Senate Speaker Rt. Hon. Amason Kingi, is attending the 15th Ordinary Session of the Forum of Parliaments of the ICGLR (FP-ICGLR) in Luanda, Angola.
Speaker Kingi and his team called for intensified campaigns to challenge gender-based discrimination and dismantle entrenched cultural stereotypes that hinder women’s participation in political and leadership roles.
Kenya’s delegation includes Mandera Senator Ali Roba, Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, Nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian, and Buuri MP Hon. Mugambi Rindikiri. Together, they made a compelling case for regional collaboration to foster inclusive governance across the Great Lakes Region.
Senator Roba, speaking on behalf of Speaker Kingi during the plenary session, emphasized the need for member states to adopt progressive policies that actively promote equal representation.
“As we work towards sustainable peace and development in the region, we must recognize that gender equality is not merely a moral imperative, but a strategic necessity,” Roba said.
The Kenyan delegation’s position echoed the overarching theme of the session, which focused on strengthening parliamentary cooperation to address regional challenges through inclusive governance.
Senator Hezena Lemaletian, a vocal advocate for women’s rights, called for the empowerment of marginalized groups and greater investment in leadership development programs for women and youth. “Without meaningful representation, we cannot claim to have democratic institutions,” she stated.
The plenary provided a platform for delegates to exchange ideas and develop joint strategies for addressing socio-political inequalities. The Forum also acknowledged Kenya’s leadership in pushing forward the gender parity agenda, citing the country’s ongoing constitutional reforms aimed at increasing the participation of women in governance.
As the session concluded, the Kenyan delegation urged member states to implement commitments made under various regional and international protocols on gender equality. They reaffirmed Kenya’s readiness to support initiatives that promote equity, unity, and shared prosperity across the Great Lakes Region.
The FP-ICGLR continues to play a crucial role in fostering dialogue and cooperation among parliaments in a region often challenged by conflict, political instability, and governance disparities.
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