Isiolo became the fifth county to officially launch its very own Gender Policy to help mainstream gender in the county’s policies and processes. The draft of the policy which was introduced to the County Assembly of Isiolo in September 2021 and was unanimously passed by members of the assembly.

The policy was drafted with the support of CREAW and the Kenya Women Parliamentarians Association (KEWOPA). It has been work in progress for the last four years before this great milestone could be achieved.

According to Isiolo county governor Mohamed Kuti, the policy will promote realizatdion of two-third gender rule by offering equal empowerment opportunities for women, youth and girls, and strengthening already existing institutional structures aimed at eliminating all forms of violence.

“The policy will ensure a just society where all live free of discrimination, violence and marginalisation and enjoy equal rights and opportunities for sustainable development,” Dr Kuti said in a speech read on his behalf by county secretary Dr Ahmed Galgalo.

The gender policy 2021/2025 is a progressive move towards ensuring gender equality and protection of women, girls, and youth in Isiolo.

The law provides a clear framework for the implementation of this policy with concrete measures to prevent Sexual Gender-Based Violence, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and radicalisation of youth to violent extremist groups.

“Inclusion of women and girls in policy and development processes is critical for a gender-equal society. Beyond the launch, we want to see the implementation fast-tracked to deliver safety nets and progress for women and girls,” said Wangechi Wachira, CREAW-Kenya’s Executive Director

Ms. Mercy Mwangi of KEWOPA stressed on the need for the county government and partners to set aside enough funds to support women and girls.

“There is need for equal access to opportunities and resources for women empowerment,” she said.

Several development partners and civil society organisations committed to support implementation of the policy for better results. Isiolo is the fifth county to come up with a gender policy in Kenya after Makueni, Kisumu, Meru and Migori.