Protect women seeking elective positions against political violence

By Joseph Kamau Kiragu

As the clock ticks towards the August 9 General Election, more and more women declare their interest in various elective seats. Campaigns have started to hot up whereby politicians are seen crisscrossing the country in the line of selling their agendas. However, women who are eying for any elective positions are prone to intimidation during this period of campaigns. Violence against women interested in the political spectrum can be sexual, psychological in nature, physical, threats, intimidation, verbal and online attacks.

Notably, men also face political violence during electoral contests. However, political violence against women in politics is higher than that of men and can be termed gender-based. Most women affected by this violence are seen challenging traditional gender roles, especially those who demonstrate ambitions and good leadership skills. Some of those who attack these women create a sense that the high number of women in politics might lessen the power of men; hence they try to keep off that power. Therefore, these perpetrators aim to discourage and silence women from participating in political life.

It is a high time to raise awareness of political violence against women. It is an urgent need to know that this specific violence violates human rights. Thus, it denies them their political and civil rights, creating a democratic deficit. Quite unfortunate, even after facing political violence, reporting remains a daunting task to them, may be because of threats, insecurity, and shame. Therefore, all these women in politics should be assertive and bold and claim their rights. They should also be encouraged to be courageous and report any form of violation against them.

It is possible to control this specific violence. Police forces and legal systems should play a crucial role and ensure their human rights are fully protected. Besides this, everyone can do something to combat violence against women in politics regardless of their political position. Kenya is a democratic country, and to achieve this concept of democracy, we have to ensure that both men and women jointly decide national legislation and political policies.

Student Maasai Mara University