Kenya election: What Martha Karua means for women in politics: Martha Karua is taking centre stage in Kenya’s elections: what it means for women in politics
For instance, she is said not to have been aggressive enough in the presidential debate, a sharp divergence from her long-term political persona as a firebrand and articulate debater. Kenyan media had long branded Karua anKarua has nevertheless crafted her call for support from different demographic groups in gendered terms. Rather than ignore negative gender rhetoric, she is taking it on and echoing the rhetoric as a way to appeal to women, men, mothers and grandmothers.
The appointment of Karua as Odinga’s running mate must, however, be seen as a significant step forward. While Karua has a legal background and enjoys support from diverse professionals and civil society, Kenya’s gender equality problem will not be legislated away. It requires comprehensive transformation.
show that, for example, the representation of women in African cabinets is important for the promotion of gender equality policies.– as in the case of President Joyce Banda in Malawi – empowers female members of parliament.