By: Sophy Hayo
Women have been marginalized since decades, although the government has been putting some efforts in restoring their status there is still a large gap which needs to be filled. Gender equality is among the many strategies that the government of Kenya has develop to upraise women status, this strategy entails giving both men and women equal access to public services such as education, health and political decision making. This approach cannot yield more because women do not stand on the same ground with men, their status is totally different from men and they need special treatment. The government and other organizations which are in support of gender equality should put that in mind.
Unlike men who have enjoyed dominance from time immemorial, women have been belittled for a longer period, they have gone through painful encounters over the past years. The gender-based violence has subjected many of them to physical, social, economic and psychological torture. Even in this 21st century women are still under societal bondage and men dominance is still evident. Their state is critical and they need not equal treament but a more advanced approach which will give them more opportunity to overcome all the restraining forces which hold them. Gender equity is the option as it donates the equivalence in life outcomes for women and men, recognizing their different need and interest, and requiring and redistribution of power and resources.
Gender equality strategy has managed to raise the status of women but women still hang midair, and they need a firm ground to stand on. Their vulnerability exposes them to more challenges unlike men. Come to think of it, equal opportunities like equal education empowers both gender but remember women have extra needs such as sanitary towels and camisoles. These makes their need different from men’s so when the government gives free education they also have to include those extra needs. Gender equality cannot fully erase women suffering, in fact, it only uplift men to levels women cannot reach, making them more powerful. Although women and men live in the same community, their struggle are not the same.
Gender equity gives a fair distribution to both genders considering the state of each individual. Those that have nothing are given more while those that can sustain their lives are given a little. This approach should be adopted by the Kenyan government to completely cater for women needs. It can help fill the gap in the society and hence a balanced society where no one hangs midair.
Sophy Hayo.
Maasai Mara University.
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