KEWOPA, which stands for Kenya Women Parliamentary Association, is an organization that was established in 2001 with the aim of promoting and strengthening the role of women in politics and leadership in Kenya. It comprises all female Members of Parliament (both elected and nominated) and Senators in the Kenyan Parliament.
Key Objectives of KEWOPA:
- Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment: KEWOPA advocates for gender equality in political representation and decision-making processes. It works to increase the participation of women in leadership roles.
- Legislative Advocacy: The association pushes for the enactment of laws that promote women’s rights and gender equality. KEWOPA has been involved in advocating for critical laws such as the Sexual Offences Act and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act.
- Capacity Building: KEWOPA works to build the capacity of its members by offering training and mentorship programs to female MPs and Senators, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed for effective leadership and policymaking.
- Networking and Collaboration: The association collaborates with various local and international organizations that support gender equality and women’s leadership. Through these partnerships, KEWOPA engages in dialogue on issues affecting women both in Kenya and globally.
- Advocacy for the Two-thirds Gender Rule: KEWOPA has been a key player in pushing for the realization of the constitutional requirement that no more than two-thirds of elected or appointed bodies should be of the same gender, often referred to as the “Two-thirds Gender Rule.”
KEWOPA continues to play a vital role in shaping policy and public opinion on issues of gender equality and women’s rights in Kenya’s political space.