Mr. Chairman,
- Thank you for giving me the floor. My delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered by the representative of Morocco on behalf of the African Group. We express gratitude to the Secretary-General for his comprehensive reports under this agenda item and take cognizance of the recommendations therein.
- We reaffirm continued support for and cooperation and reiterate our commitment to achievements of SDG 5 as we continue championing gender equality and empowerment of women at the highest level. Despite progress made, women still face challenges such as gender based/sexually based violence, political under-representation, lack of control over assets and property and harmful social/cultural practices. Within the broader context of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development, there is need to address the social, economic and structural causes of gender inequality.
- The Kenya constitution 2010 contains decisions which specifically guarantee gender equality and women empowerment and requires adoption of legislation leading to the establishment of policies and frameworks requisite for achieving gender parity as a prerequisite to ending poverty, achieving our SDG’s and 2030 agenda for social development
- Mr. Chairman, Kenya is progressively engaged in ensuring that women’s Participation in governance and key decision-making positions are evident. Towards this therefore, our President has outlined his vision for Kenya’s development through the Big Four Agenda focusing on food security, affordable healthcare, manufacturing and affordable housing. This agenda focuses in investing in key socio- economic drivers for improving the lives of women, youth and children, who inordinately bear the brunt of societal inequities.
- Enhanced budgetary allocation and disbursements such as the Women Enterprises Fund, the Uwezo Fund and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) provide social protection and support system for women, youth and children. In this regard, billions of Kenya Shillings worth of Affirmative Action resources have been disbursed to beneficiaries across the country in support of women and youth’s role in the country’s development.
Mr. Chairman,
6. Kenya has introduced free basic, primary and secondary education and target specific projects for vulnerable girls as key enabler for their advancement. We are happy to report that this initiatives have significantly boosted retention of girls in school. Our investment in education and training has exponentially expanded to 27% of the national budget and 6% of our GDP.
7. Kenya is on an irreversible path to provide Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to all and has enhanced funding for free maternal and post delivery Services leading to a decline in maternal mortality rates, and catalysed actions towards strategic partnerships for health within the public and private sectors; thereby improving the quality and making health care affordable and accessible to the vulnerable members of our society.
Mr. Chairman,
8.Gender-based violence remains pervasive around the world. Its eradication is therefore a priority for the international community. Kenya addresses gender-based violence through initiatives anchored on five priority areas: prevention, protection, prosecution, programming and partnerships. In addition, Kenya has been implementing countrywide campaigns against GBV to raise awareness, change attitudes and to eradicate it.
9. In conclusion therefore, while acknowledging progress made, challenges to the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women still requires global multi-sectoral approaches. It is critical for Member States to address the social, economic and structural root causes of gender inequality to enable women everywhere to realize their full potential while making women empowerment a reality in our lifetime, and hopefully by 2030.
Kenya remains steadfast in these efforts.
I thank you.