Kenyan Women Sceptical Over Constitution's Promise

  • by George Kebaso (nairobi)
  • Inter Press Service

'I am less concerned about the new constitution. Even if it is fully implemented, it will only help to advance interests of those who are already established. But for us ordinary women, we will continue surviving on our sweat,' Karemi said.

In August, 67 percent of Kenyans voted in favour of a new constitution. Signed into law by President Mwai Kibaki on Aug. 27, the constitution provides for greater civil liberties and enshrines key economic and social rights. It advances the status of women in Kenyan society by according them equal rights in private and public life.

But Karemi is concerned that government lacks the commitment to boost women who are working hard to feed and educate their families through small businesses. 'For example, where will a woman living upcountry get money to buy her own property?' she asked, referring to the constitutionally-accorded land ownership rights for women.

Similar sentiments were expressed by the women who help to sort grains at the sprawling Nyamakima cereals market in downtown Nairobi. 'Yes, we are aware of the benefits that will come with the new constitution. But when will they be real? When will this implementation start and how long will it take?' asked Margaret Njeri.

Njeri earns the equivalent of $2.50 per sack of well-sorted ground nuts. She is able to sort at least two sacks every day and this helps pay her rent and educate her children.

Millie Odhiambo, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) nominated Member of Parliament and children and women’s rights lawyer, acknowledged the women’s concerns but reassured that all is well as various organs within the government, political parties and the civil society move to lay down strategies for the implementation of the constitution.

'Yes, we are aware that many women in this country have not had a proper chance to understand what the new constitution stands for, but plans are now underway to start post referendum and promulgation civic education,' said Odhiambo.

'When we were doing civic education as the ODM party during the referendum campaigns, we put women together and the common question that kept coming up is when the implementation will begin. The women constantly asked whether it was just an aspiration or a reality,' she said.

According to Odhiambo, her party took advantage of the propaganda that those opposed to the new constitution were spreading to pitch home the truth about the new law, especially the fact that it would take time to achieve its aspirations.

Opposition to the constitution centered on a range of issues, including the abortion clause and matters surrounding land ownership.

'Some of the issues that we were able to bring to the attention of the ordinary women included letting them know that the new constitution has provided for a special fund known as the Equalisation Fund that would cater for all the marginalised groups- disabled persons, Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVCs), women and children in general,' she said.

According to Odhiambo, the government plans to roll out a comprehensive civic education programme that targets women; children and other marginalised groups through the Ministries of Gender and that of Justice, Cohesion and Constitution.

A number of political parties in the country are in the process of outlining their respective civic education structures.

'In my own party, ODM, even though we have not been able to hold any formal meeting, we are working with partners to map out strategies on the implementation of the new constitution,' she said.

Implementation will involve the preparation of 49 Bills towards the enactment of laws in line with the provisions of the constitution. This will take several years -- a long wait yet for women like Karemi and Njeri to realize their full constitutional rights.

© Inter Press Service (2010) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service