In a landmark pre-summit forum dedicated to empowering women legislators for accountability and strengthening oversight in county governance, Women Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) took center stage.
The transformative gathering, supported by UN Women, provided a strategic platform for female legislators to engage in high-level discussions on gender equity, governance, and leadership.
Among the distinguished guests was Isiolo County First Lady Habiba Guyo, a steadfast advocate for women’s empowerment, inclusivity, and governance accountability.
A Call for Solidarity and Accountability
Addressing the forum, First Lady Habiba Guyo underscored the need for women leaders to support one another in their political and governance journeys.
Acknowledging the unique struggles women face in leadership, she urged female legislators to foster unity and mentorship, ensuring that the progress made in women’s political representation is sustained and expanded.
“The onus is on us to define the future of women’s empowerment,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for female MCAs to be proactive in policymaking.
She challenged them to craft legislation that prioritizes gender equality, economic opportunities for women, and social development programs that uplift marginalized communities.
As key architects of policy and oversight, Women MCAs play a crucial role in fostering transparent and gender-responsive governance.
Their participation in forums like this not only enhances their capacity to advocate for progressive policies but also strengthens their ability to hold county governments accountable.
A Legacy of Women Empowerment and Social Development
Since assuming her role as Isiolo County’s First Lady in August 2022, following the swearing-in of Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan (Guyo), Habiba Guyo has remained at the forefront of initiatives aimed at uplifting women, youth, and marginalized communities.
She has spearheaded programs that promote education for the girl child, economic opportunities for women, and improved healthcare services, aligning her vision with the broader agenda of the county government.
One of her most impactful interventions has been organizing medical camps across Isiolo County, providing essential healthcare services to communities with limited access to medical facilities.
These efforts align with Governor Guyo’s vision of fostering a county where women and vulnerable populations are treated with dignity and afforded their full rights under Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
Her advocacy for women’s empowerment extends beyond policy discussions; she has been actively involved in grassroots initiatives that equip women with entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and leadership training.
Through these programs, she seeks to bridge the economic gender gap, ensuring that women in Isiolo have access to opportunities that improve their livelihoods.
Women as Agents of Peace and Development
Beyond governance and economic empowerment, First Lady Habiba Guyo emphasized the pivotal role of women in peace-building, particularly in regions affected by communal conflicts.
Speaking to the women MCAs, she highlighted the urgent need for female leaders to champion unity within their communities.
“Women are the natural custodians of peace. When conflict arises, it is women and children who suffer the most,” she stated, reflecting on the persistent cattle rustling and intercommunal clashes that continue to destabilize Northern Kenya, including Isiolo County.
See also: British High Commission Delegation Engages Isiolo First Lady on Women’s Empowerment
She urged women leaders to take a proactive stance in mediation and conflict resolution efforts, ensuring that their communities prioritize dialogue over violence.
Additionally, she called on female MCAs to actively seek development opportunities for their constituencies, advocating for improved infrastructure, education, and healthcare services.
Lobbying for increased budget allocations and development programs tailored to women and youth, she stressed, would be instrumental in transforming their regions.
A Vision for a More Inclusive Future
As governance in Kenya continues to evolve, First Lady Habiba Guyo’s contributions to women’s empowerment and governance accountability serve as a blueprint for inclusive leadership.
Her relentless advocacy for equitable representation, social development, and peace-building underscores her commitment to a future where women’s voices shape policymaking at all levels.
Her message to women leaders remains clear: empower, support, and uplift each other to build a society that values and includes all voices in governance.
Through her leadership, Isiolo County is witnessing a paradigm shift—one where women are no longer just participants in governance but key architects of progress and transformation.
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