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If knowledge is power, how powerful are we? As we read through the new proposed constitution and decide what to make of it, let’s take a moment to look back. As Winston Churchill said "The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see."Let’s remember the circumstances that have led to this day; Kilifi, Bomas, Naivasha and the court wrangles that have characterized the constitution making process. Let’s even go back to the days when we were a one party state. Yes, though the proposed new constitution is here, the contentious issues still have not gone way even as we draw near to the November referendum. I put it to you that the most important question you can ask yourself today is what will influence my vote? We can only answer that question by arming ourselves with information that will see us make a progressive decision for better economic growth, poverty alleviation, good governance and opportunities for all. As we celebrate the launch GGP’s USAWA newsletter , which coincides with the AGs publishing of the new proposed constitution, we dedicate this premiere issue to the constitution; bringing you articles, resources and interactive tools for debate and exchange that will help you look back in order to see forward. A wise man once compared life to a journey. "The path we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to is up to us," He said,. "We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we do get there." Enjoy! The editor, USAWA |
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Referendum: Will this be the end of safeguarding our gains? The process of constitutional reform is hardly smooth sailing and highly political. In many African states and now in Kenya, existing legislation has been characterised by major weaknesses like over concentration of power in one centre hence the proposed changes that culminated to the Bomas Constitutional Conference. What needs to be asked at this point is whether there has been a substantial argument put forward in maintaining the powerful presidency and diminishing the people’s wishes of self governance. As a political process, it gives the opportunity to confirm the maturity and self confidence of the people of this country and consolidate democracy. The political behavior of the people is key in making informed choices. There is always a generalized concern with constitutional reform as the centerpiece for better reforms. However, while it’s too early to predict the shape of a referendum campaign much less the outcome; women need to be on the lookout not only to safeguard their gains but also those of the larger nation until the last phase of the process. |
| Have your say.. |
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At the Polls The referendum: Will the "gains of women" be an significant influencing factor in our vote? Yes or No? Click to vote
In the discussion forums.. Are women losing out on their gains in the proposed constitution? Since Bomas, the consequent consensus building efforts have made proposals that seem to take away the gains women made in the draft constitution. Women are concerned that they may lose out on some of these gains. These include scrapping of the senate, merging of the Gender Commission to the Commission on Human Rights, the Chapter of Citizenship and gender equality. How do these gains affect women? If taken away what do women stand to lose in bridging gender gaps in national representation? What can we do to ensure that these gains are not taken away?
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A fresh talking point for women
The Gender and Governance programme website boasts several
exciting features that will act as a platform for producing and
disseminating information as an advocacy and learning tool to
influence policies and perceptions on gender. |
The gender and
governance website was received with much enthusiasm during its
launch, a clear indication that women too can use technology to
advance their agenda. Indeed, women are now penetrating the once
male dominated field. What's more, the website was designed and
structured by women ICT experts.| "USAWA", derived from the Gender & Governance's slogan - Kuelekea usawa - wake kwa waume tuongoze pamoja, is a Kiswahili word that means equality |
| The Gender and
Governance Programme (GGP), a national programme that seeks to
ensure a focused, coordinated and long-term support towards women’s
enjoyment of human rights and participation in democratic governance
was launched on Tuesday 22 March 2005 at the Bomas of Kenya. More >> |
| The New Proposed Constitution |
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Related stories The unveiling
Civic Education |
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| Looking back.. Bomas & Kilifi |
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The Bomas draft- what was in it for the people?
Fatuma Saman, a delegate at the Bomas constitutional conference believed that the Kenyan citizenry would enjoy immensely if the Bomas draft was adopted in totality particularly in the area of devolution as resources and other forms of development would be equally shared amongst all the regions of the country. |
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Affirmative action a contentious issue? Not to the Women Consensus Group who amid a loud call for mass action by the Kenyan civil society traveled to Mombasa to follow the MPs as they debated contentious issues in the last stages of the review process. What were some of their experiences? How did SMS prove to be a useful lobbying tool? What was the outcome and what does the future hold for affirmative action as far as the constitution is concerned? Related story: The Electoral Commission in Uganda sends 500,000 SMS out to Voters >> |
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Other recent articles |
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| From the GGP News Desk.. |
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GGP e-quipped for change A training workshop organized by the African Centre for Women, Information and Communications Technology (ACWICT) brought together over 35 participants from partner organisations. Partners were introduced to the GGP e-governance strategy and engaged in a rigorous ICT training session. |
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Gender jargon: You understand it, don't you? In the fight for women's rights and empowerment, we often use words that describe so vividly and comprehensively what we are trying to achieve. Does everyone understand them? Ubah Hassan, delves deeper to bring you their accurate meanings. Click here for definitions. >> |
The Bomas draft constitution was a product of
years of yearning for a new constitution by the people following
years of outright tyranny, misrule and plunder of national
resources.|
New in the Virtual Data Bank |
Other Newsletters The Dawn Women have what it takes to change the face of public office. And come 2007, it is expected that the number of women in parliament and local authorities will increase significantly, thanks to the Gender and Governance Programme launched in March this year. |
Politics: Art or Science?
The concept of the documentary is derived from the
experiences of successful politicians the world over; Key among the
lessons that the documentary teaches include the fact that politics is
both an art and a science that can be learnt by all
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Have you shared your experience? Share with others.. Thank you for your continued interest in the Gender & Governance Programme. If your know someone who would like to receive this issue of USAWA please forward this email to them. Share with us.. As we strive to make USAWA an informative and interesting newsletter, we invite your comments on the articles and the newsletter in general. What would you like to see in the next issue of USAWA? Would you like to contribute an article in the next issue? Please write to admin@acwict.or.ke |
GGP is Managed by Actionaid International - Kenya
and supported by: CIDA - UNIFEM - DFID
- Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency -
The Royal
Netherlands Embassy - CIDA/GESP II - DANIDA
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This newsletter is produced by The African Centre for Women, Information and Communications Technology (ACWICT) Email: admin@acwict.or.ke |
