Wanja Maina

Wanja Maina, a Kenyan political and governance advocate, shares her journey of leadership, reflection, and commitment to advancing women’s political participation in East Africa. 

Identifying as an African deeply engaged in issues of leadership and democracy, Wanja is actively involved in promoting inclusion within political spaces, particularly for women and persons with disabilities. As a member of the Disability League within the Jubilee Party, she works to ensure that marginalized voices are represented in political processes and decision-making. In this insightful reflection, Wanja discusses:

• The low levels of women’s political participation in East Africa
• Structural and cultural barriers that limit girls’ leadership ambitions
• The importance of inclusion in political parties and institutions
• Her personal experience as a political candidate in 2022 and plans for 2027
• The need for stronger representation, networking, and regional solidarity She also highlights how socialization from a young age shapes leadership opportunities for girls and emphasizes the importance of visibility, documentation, and positioning in political life. 

Inspired by regional exchange and training, Wanja continues to push for a future where women and men share equal space in leadership—building toward a more inclusive and representative democracy.