By Our Reporter
Worth Noting:
- MP for Seme, Dr James Nyikal questioned how Dr. Karungaru was identified for the position and her capability to handle the delicate issues of gender based violence, domestic violence and sexual harassment.
- The MP also sought to know the candidate’s thoughts on the two-thirds gender rule and why in her opinion the rule had taken too long to be implemented. He also sought to know what the candidate would do if approved, with regard to reducing gender-based violence, suicide among youths and female genital mutilation.
- In her response, Dr. Karungaru noted that if approved, she would seek to uphold section 27 of the Constitution which provides for equality.
The nominee to the position of member of the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), Dr. Margaret Karungaru yesterday morning appeared before the Committee on Social Protection for approval hearings.
The Committee chaired by Alice Ng’ang’a who is the MP for Thika Town, started off by asking Dr. Karungaru to outline her understanding of the mandate of the National Gender and Equality Commission and its key roles as enshrined in the constitution.
In her opening response to the Committee, Dr. Karungaru expressed her passion for Social Work in the community and informed the committee of her experience in the teaching fraternity, where she served as a headteacher in a girls’ high school in her early 30s.
She also recounted to the committee of her vast experience in Social Work in Nyeri County.
“I have been studying the policies and the mandate of the Commission I look forward to joining, if appointed. I have already identified some of the areas I would wish to focus on such as issues of People with Disabilities (PWDs) and ensure the implementation of related policies. For instance, there are many government buildings that have no access for PWDs. I would wish to see the policy on PWD implemented fully with such buildings creating access”, she told the committee.
“There are also issues of reproductive health and young mothers undergoing caeserian section at the time of delivery which we need to address. I commit to work on a policy paper as part of my advisory task”, added Dr. Karungaru.
She also emphasised on the need for NGEC to play a strong role of advisory, facilitation and regulation in these issues.
MP for Seme, Dr James Nyikal questioned how Dr. Karungaru was identified for the position and her capability to handle the delicate issues of gender based violence, domestic violence and sexual harassment.
The MP also sought to know the candidate’s thoughts on the two-thirds gender rule and why in her opinion the rule had taken too long to be implemented. He also sought to know what the candidate would do if approved, with regard to reducing gender-based violence, suicide among youths and female genital mutilation.
In her response, Dr. Karungaru noted that if approved, she would seek to uphold section 27 of the Constitution which provides for equality.
She observed that all the issues raised have been provided for in law but noted that implementation had been slow.
“The government needs to be presented with enough data on all the mentioned issues and a follow up done to ensure implementation. With regard to installation of ramps for the disabled, other countries have provided these provisions in almost all sectors including public transport. We must also emulate this practice. Brail and sign language should be also made easily available”, she explained.
While responding to other issues raised by lawmakers; Betty Maina (Murang’a), Zuleha Harun (Nominated), Edith Nyenze (Kitui West) and Tim Wanyonyi, Dr. Karungaru told the committee that she would propose for the creation of awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagements in affected areas to help reduce cases of FGM, property inheritance challenges-especially for women, gender violence and challenges facing the disabled.
“We also need to collaborate with venacular radio stations and engage experts in these matters to advocate for change,and also make it part of our curriculum for the benefit of our young children”, she observed.
The chairperson of the committee, encouraged Dr. Karungaru to help enhance the publicity of the National Gender and Equality Commission known if approved.
“One of the reasons this Commission is facing budget problems is because it has not been very vocal on gender issues. If confirmed, this is the message you should take to the Commission. We have other constitutional Commissions like IEBC, IPOA and others that are well known, but the NGEC enjoys very little publicity out there despite its crucial mandate”, noted Ng’ang’a
The Committee is scheduled to retreat to prepare its report which will thereafter be table the floor of the House when the House resumes early next month.
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