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A groundbreaking handbook titled Beyond Numbers: Stories of Gender Equality in and through Parliaments was released on 10 October 2024, focusing on the vital role of gender representation in legislative bodies worldwide. Developed by INTER PARES within the EU’s Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) initiative, this publication delves into the transformative impact women have had in parliamentary processes globally. It features real-life accounts of how parliaments have embraced gender-sensitive reforms and empowered female legislators to drive change.

The handbook highlights the progress made in gender representation, noting a significant rise in the presence of women in parliaments—from 12 percent in 1995 to nearly 27 percent today. Despite this progress, only a small number of parliaments have reached or surpassed the 30 percent target set by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). These statistics underline that, while strides have been made, the journey toward equal representation is far from complete, with diverse regions exhibiting different levels of progress.

Read here the full handbook published by Inter Pares on 10 October 2024.

A groundbreaking handbook titled Beyond Numbers: Stories of Gender Equality in and through Parliaments was released on 10 October 2024, focusing on the vital role of gender representation in legislative bodies worldwide. Developed by INTER PARES within the EU’s Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) initiative, this publication delves into the transformative impact women have had in parliamentary processes globally. It features real-life accounts of how parliaments have embraced gender-sensitive reforms and empowered female legislators to drive change.

The handbook highlights the progress made in gender representation, noting a significant rise in the presence of women in parliaments—from 12 percent in 1995 to nearly 27 percent today. Despite this progress, only a small number of parliaments have reached or surpassed the 30 percent target set by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). These statistics underline that, while strides have been made, the journey toward equal representation is far from complete, with diverse regions exhibiting different levels of progress.

Read here the full handbook published by Inter Pares on 10 October 2024.

A groundbreaking handbook titled Beyond Numbers: Stories of Gender Equality in and through Parliaments was released on 10 October 2024, focusing on the vital role of gender representation in legislative bodies worldwide. Developed by INTER PARES within the EU’s Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) initiative, this publication delves into the transformative impact women have had in parliamentary processes globally. It features real-life accounts of how parliaments have embraced gender-sensitive reforms and empowered female legislators to drive change.

The handbook highlights the progress made in gender representation, noting a significant rise in the presence of women in parliaments—from 12 percent in 1995 to nearly 27 percent today. Despite this progress, only a small number of parliaments have reached or surpassed the 30 percent target set by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). These statistics underline that, while strides have been made, the journey toward equal representation is far from complete, with diverse regions exhibiting different levels of progress.

Read here the full handbook published by Inter Pares on 10 October 2024.

A groundbreaking handbook titled Beyond Numbers: Stories of Gender Equality in and through Parliaments was released on 10 October 2024, focusing on the vital role of gender representation in legislative bodies worldwide. Developed by INTER PARES within the EU’s Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) initiative, this publication delves into the transformative impact women have had in parliamentary processes globally. It features real-life accounts of how parliaments have embraced gender-sensitive reforms and empowered female legislators to drive change.

The handbook highlights the progress made in gender representation, noting a significant rise in the presence of women in parliaments—from 12 percent in 1995 to nearly 27 percent today. Despite this progress, only a small number of parliaments have reached or surpassed the 30 percent target set by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). These statistics underline that, while strides have been made, the journey toward equal representation is far from complete, with diverse regions exhibiting different levels of progress.

Read here the full handbook published by Inter Pares on 10 October 2024.

A groundbreaking handbook titled Beyond Numbers: Stories of Gender Equality in and through Parliaments was released on 10 October 2024, focusing on the vital role of gender representation in legislative bodies worldwide. Developed by INTER PARES within the EU’s Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) initiative, this publication delves into the transformative impact women have had in parliamentary processes globally. It features real-life accounts of how parliaments have embraced gender-sensitive reforms and empowered female legislators to drive change.

The handbook highlights the progress made in gender representation, noting a significant rise in the presence of women in parliaments—from 12 percent in 1995 to nearly 27 percent today. Despite this progress, only a small number of parliaments have reached or surpassed the 30 percent target set by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). These statistics underline that, while strides have been made, the journey toward equal representation is far from complete, with diverse regions exhibiting different levels of progress.

Read here the full handbook published by Inter Pares on 10 October 2024.

A groundbreaking handbook titled Beyond Numbers: Stories of Gender Equality in and through Parliaments was released on 10 October 2024, focusing on the vital role of gender representation in legislative bodies worldwide. Developed by INTER PARES within the EU’s Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) initiative, this publication delves into the transformative impact women have had in parliamentary processes globally. It features real-life accounts of how parliaments have embraced gender-sensitive reforms and empowered female legislators to drive change.

The handbook highlights the progress made in gender representation, noting a significant rise in the presence of women in parliaments—from 12 percent in 1995 to nearly 27 percent today. Despite this progress, only a small number of parliaments have reached or surpassed the 30 percent target set by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). These statistics underline that, while strides have been made, the journey toward equal representation is far from complete, with diverse regions exhibiting different levels of progress.

Read here the full handbook published by Inter Pares on 10 October 2024.

A groundbreaking handbook titled Beyond Numbers: Stories of Gender Equality in and through Parliaments was released on 10 October 2024, focusing on the vital role of gender representation in legislative bodies worldwide. Developed by INTER PARES within the EU’s Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) initiative, this publication delves into the transformative impact women have had in parliamentary processes globally. It features real-life accounts of how parliaments have embraced gender-sensitive reforms and empowered female legislators to drive change.

The handbook highlights the progress made in gender representation, noting a significant rise in the presence of women in parliaments—from 12 percent in 1995 to nearly 27 percent today. Despite this progress, only a small number of parliaments have reached or surpassed the 30 percent target set by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). These statistics underline that, while strides have been made, the journey toward equal representation is far from complete, with diverse regions exhibiting different levels of progress.

Read here the full handbook published by Inter Pares on 10 October 2024.

A groundbreaking handbook titled Beyond Numbers: Stories of Gender Equality in and through Parliaments was released on 10 October 2024, focusing on the vital role of gender representation in legislative bodies worldwide. Developed by INTER PARES within the EU’s Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) initiative, this publication delves into the transformative impact women have had in parliamentary processes globally. It features real-life accounts of how parliaments have embraced gender-sensitive reforms and empowered female legislators to drive change.

The handbook highlights the progress made in gender representation, noting a significant rise in the presence of women in parliaments—from 12 percent in 1995 to nearly 27 percent today. Despite this progress, only a small number of parliaments have reached or surpassed the 30 percent target set by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). These statistics underline that, while strides have been made, the journey toward equal representation is far from complete, with diverse regions exhibiting different levels of progress.

Read here the full handbook published by Inter Pares on 10 October 2024.

A groundbreaking handbook titled Beyond Numbers: Stories of Gender Equality in and through Parliaments was released on 10 October 2024, focusing on the vital role of gender representation in legislative bodies worldwide. Developed by INTER PARES within the EU’s Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) initiative, this publication delves into the transformative impact women have had in parliamentary processes globally. It features real-life accounts of how parliaments have embraced gender-sensitive reforms and empowered female legislators to drive change.

The handbook highlights the progress made in gender representation, noting a significant rise in the presence of women in parliaments—from 12 percent in 1995 to nearly 27 percent today. Despite this progress, only a small number of parliaments have reached or surpassed the 30 percent target set by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). These statistics underline that, while strides have been made, the journey toward equal representation is far from complete, with diverse regions exhibiting different levels of progress.

Read here the full handbook published by Inter Pares on 10 October 2024.

A groundbreaking handbook titled Beyond Numbers: Stories of Gender Equality in and through Parliaments was released on 10 October 2024, focusing on the vital role of gender representation in legislative bodies worldwide. Developed by INTER PARES within the EU’s Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) initiative, this publication delves into the transformative impact women have had in parliamentary processes globally. It features real-life accounts of how parliaments have embraced gender-sensitive reforms and empowered female legislators to drive change.

The handbook highlights the progress made in gender representation, noting a significant rise in the presence of women in parliaments—from 12 percent in 1995 to nearly 27 percent today. Despite this progress, only a small number of parliaments have reached or surpassed the 30 percent target set by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). These statistics underline that, while strides have been made, the journey toward equal representation is far from complete, with diverse regions exhibiting different levels of progress.

Read here the full handbook published by Inter Pares on 10 October 2024.

A groundbreaking handbook titled Beyond Numbers: Stories of Gender Equality in and through Parliaments was released on 10 October 2024, focusing on the vital role of gender representation in legislative bodies worldwide. Developed by INTER PARES within the EU’s Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) initiative, this publication delves into the transformative impact women have had in parliamentary processes globally. It features real-life accounts of how parliaments have embraced gender-sensitive reforms and empowered female legislators to drive change.

The handbook highlights the progress made in gender representation, noting a significant rise in the presence of women in parliaments—from 12 percent in 1995 to nearly 27 percent today. Despite this progress, only a small number of parliaments have reached or surpassed the 30 percent target set by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). These statistics underline that, while strides have been made, the journey toward equal representation is far from complete, with diverse regions exhibiting different levels of progress.

Read here the full handbook published by Inter Pares on 10 October 2024.

A groundbreaking handbook titled Beyond Numbers: Stories of Gender Equality in and through Parliaments was released on 10 October 2024, focusing on the vital role of gender representation in legislative bodies worldwide. Developed by INTER PARES within the EU’s Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) initiative, this publication delves into the transformative impact women have had in parliamentary processes globally. It features real-life accounts of how parliaments have embraced gender-sensitive reforms and empowered female legislators to drive change.

The handbook highlights the progress made in gender representation, noting a significant rise in the presence of women in parliaments—from 12 percent in 1995 to nearly 27 percent today. Despite this progress, only a small number of parliaments have reached or surpassed the 30 percent target set by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). These statistics underline that, while strides have been made, the journey toward equal representation is far from complete, with diverse regions exhibiting different levels of progress.

Read here the full handbook published by Inter Pares on 10 October 2024.

A groundbreaking handbook titled Beyond Numbers: Stories of Gender Equality in and through Parliaments was released on 10 October 2024, focusing on the vital role of gender representation in legislative bodies worldwide. Developed by INTER PARES within the EU’s Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) initiative, this publication delves into the transformative impact women have had in parliamentary processes globally. It features real-life accounts of how parliaments have embraced gender-sensitive reforms and empowered female legislators to drive change.

The handbook highlights the progress made in gender representation, noting a significant rise in the presence of women in parliaments—from 12 percent in 1995 to nearly 27 percent today. Despite this progress, only a small number of parliaments have reached or surpassed the 30 percent target set by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). These statistics underline that, while strides have been made, the journey toward equal representation is far from complete, with diverse regions exhibiting different levels of progress.

Read here the full handbook published by Inter Pares on 10 October 2024.

A groundbreaking handbook titled Beyond Numbers: Stories of Gender Equality in and through Parliaments was released on 10 October 2024, focusing on the vital role of gender representation in legislative bodies worldwide. Developed by INTER PARES within the EU’s Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) initiative, this publication delves into the transformative impact women have had in parliamentary processes globally. It features real-life accounts of how parliaments have embraced gender-sensitive reforms and empowered female legislators to drive change.

The handbook highlights the progress made in gender representation, noting a significant rise in the presence of women in parliaments—from 12 percent in 1995 to nearly 27 percent today. Despite this progress, only a small number of parliaments have reached or surpassed the 30 percent target set by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). These statistics underline that, while strides have been made, the journey toward equal representation is far from complete, with diverse regions exhibiting different levels of progress.

Read here the full handbook published by Inter Pares on 10 October 2024.

A groundbreaking handbook titled Beyond Numbers: Stories of Gender Equality in and through Parliaments was released on 10 October 2024, focusing on the vital role of gender representation in legislative bodies worldwide. Developed by INTER PARES within the EU’s Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) initiative, this publication delves into the transformative impact women have had in parliamentary processes globally. It features real-life accounts of how parliaments have embraced gender-sensitive reforms and empowered female legislators to drive change.

The handbook highlights the progress made in gender representation, noting a significant rise in the presence of women in parliaments—from 12 percent in 1995 to nearly 27 percent today. Despite this progress, only a small number of parliaments have reached or surpassed the 30 percent target set by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). These statistics underline that, while strides have been made, the journey toward equal representation is far from complete, with diverse regions exhibiting different levels of progress.

Read here the full handbook published by Inter Pares on 10 October 2024.

In the remote yet strikingly beautiful Nguruman Escarpment of Kajiado County, Kenya, a transformative initiative is unfolding. Here, in a traditionally patriarchal Maasai community, a group of men—known as the Men Champions—has become crucial allies in the fight for gender equality in leadership. These men are part of a broader effort to challenge deep-seated cultural barriers, offering crucial support for women seeking political leadership in a county where progress has been slow.

Despite Kenya’s constitutional requirement that no more than two-thirds of elective or appointive positions be held by the same gender, Kajiado County remains a striking example of gender disparity. In the 2022 general elections, not a single woman won a political seat beyond the legally mandated women representative position, reflecting the powerful cultural and financial barriers women face when attempting to enter the political arena.

Men as Allies: Supporting Women’s Leadership in Politics

The Expanding Spaces for Women's Political Participation in Kenya project, implemented by Uraia Trust with support from UN Women and Global Affairs Canada, is actively addressing these challenges. One of the most significant elements of the program is the engagement of men in supporting women's leadership aspirations. These Men Champions—community gatekeepers and respected elders—are leading peer-learning forums that bring together male and female gender champions to discuss how to create pathways for women to participate in politics and governance.

For generations, leadership in this region has been male dominated, with powerful clans selecting political aspirants. However, as Paul Ole Koisaba, a prominent elder in Nguruman, explains, “We cannot continue to make decisions that exclude half of our population. Our women have the skills and the vision to lead, and we must stand behind them.”

By challenging the traditional norms that have held women back, these men are setting the stage for women to run for office with the full backing of their communities. In doing so, they are not just supporting women—they are building a future where leadership is more inclusive and representative of all voices.

Read here the full article published by UN Women Africa on 5 October 2024.

In the remote yet strikingly beautiful Nguruman Escarpment of Kajiado County, Kenya, a transformative initiative is unfolding. Here, in a traditionally patriarchal Maasai community, a group of men—known as the Men Champions—has become crucial allies in the fight for gender equality in leadership. These men are part of a broader effort to challenge deep-seated cultural barriers, offering crucial support for women seeking political leadership in a county where progress has been slow.

Despite Kenya’s constitutional requirement that no more than two-thirds of elective or appointive positions be held by the same gender, Kajiado County remains a striking example of gender disparity. In the 2022 general elections, not a single woman won a political seat beyond the legally mandated women representative position, reflecting the powerful cultural and financial barriers women face when attempting to enter the political arena.

Men as Allies: Supporting Women’s Leadership in Politics

The Expanding Spaces for Women's Political Participation in Kenya project, implemented by Uraia Trust with support from UN Women and Global Affairs Canada, is actively addressing these challenges. One of the most significant elements of the program is the engagement of men in supporting women's leadership aspirations. These Men Champions—community gatekeepers and respected elders—are leading peer-learning forums that bring together male and female gender champions to discuss how to create pathways for women to participate in politics and governance.

For generations, leadership in this region has been male dominated, with powerful clans selecting political aspirants. However, as Paul Ole Koisaba, a prominent elder in Nguruman, explains, “We cannot continue to make decisions that exclude half of our population. Our women have the skills and the vision to lead, and we must stand behind them.”

By challenging the traditional norms that have held women back, these men are setting the stage for women to run for office with the full backing of their communities. In doing so, they are not just supporting women—they are building a future where leadership is more inclusive and representative of all voices.

Read here the full article published by UN Women Africa on 5 October 2024.

In the remote yet strikingly beautiful Nguruman Escarpment of Kajiado County, Kenya, a transformative initiative is unfolding. Here, in a traditionally patriarchal Maasai community, a group of men—known as the Men Champions—has become crucial allies in the fight for gender equality in leadership. These men are part of a broader effort to challenge deep-seated cultural barriers, offering crucial support for women seeking political leadership in a county where progress has been slow.

Despite Kenya’s constitutional requirement that no more than two-thirds of elective or appointive positions be held by the same gender, Kajiado County remains a striking example of gender disparity. In the 2022 general elections, not a single woman won a political seat beyond the legally mandated women representative position, reflecting the powerful cultural and financial barriers women face when attempting to enter the political arena.

Men as Allies: Supporting Women’s Leadership in Politics

The Expanding Spaces for Women's Political Participation in Kenya project, implemented by Uraia Trust with support from UN Women and Global Affairs Canada, is actively addressing these challenges. One of the most significant elements of the program is the engagement of men in supporting women's leadership aspirations. These Men Champions—community gatekeepers and respected elders—are leading peer-learning forums that bring together male and female gender champions to discuss how to create pathways for women to participate in politics and governance.

For generations, leadership in this region has been male dominated, with powerful clans selecting political aspirants. However, as Paul Ole Koisaba, a prominent elder in Nguruman, explains, “We cannot continue to make decisions that exclude half of our population. Our women have the skills and the vision to lead, and we must stand behind them.”

By challenging the traditional norms that have held women back, these men are setting the stage for women to run for office with the full backing of their communities. In doing so, they are not just supporting women—they are building a future where leadership is more inclusive and representative of all voices.

Read here the full article published by UN Women Africa on 5 October 2024.

In the remote yet strikingly beautiful Nguruman Escarpment of Kajiado County, Kenya, a transformative initiative is unfolding. Here, in a traditionally patriarchal Maasai community, a group of men—known as the Men Champions—has become crucial allies in the fight for gender equality in leadership. These men are part of a broader effort to challenge deep-seated cultural barriers, offering crucial support for women seeking political leadership in a county where progress has been slow.

Despite Kenya’s constitutional requirement that no more than two-thirds of elective or appointive positions be held by the same gender, Kajiado County remains a striking example of gender disparity. In the 2022 general elections, not a single woman won a political seat beyond the legally mandated women representative position, reflecting the powerful cultural and financial barriers women face when attempting to enter the political arena.

Men as Allies: Supporting Women’s Leadership in Politics

The Expanding Spaces for Women's Political Participation in Kenya project, implemented by Uraia Trust with support from UN Women and Global Affairs Canada, is actively addressing these challenges. One of the most significant elements of the program is the engagement of men in supporting women's leadership aspirations. These Men Champions—community gatekeepers and respected elders—are leading peer-learning forums that bring together male and female gender champions to discuss how to create pathways for women to participate in politics and governance.

For generations, leadership in this region has been male dominated, with powerful clans selecting political aspirants. However, as Paul Ole Koisaba, a prominent elder in Nguruman, explains, “We cannot continue to make decisions that exclude half of our population. Our women have the skills and the vision to lead, and we must stand behind them.”

By challenging the traditional norms that have held women back, these men are setting the stage for women to run for office with the full backing of their communities. In doing so, they are not just supporting women—they are building a future where leadership is more inclusive and representative of all voices.

Read here the full article published by UN Women Africa on 5 October 2024.

In the remote yet strikingly beautiful Nguruman Escarpment of Kajiado County, Kenya, a transformative initiative is unfolding. Here, in a traditionally patriarchal Maasai community, a group of men—known as the Men Champions—has become crucial allies in the fight for gender equality in leadership. These men are part of a broader effort to challenge deep-seated cultural barriers, offering crucial support for women seeking political leadership in a county where progress has been slow.

Despite Kenya’s constitutional requirement that no more than two-thirds of elective or appointive positions be held by the same gender, Kajiado County remains a striking example of gender disparity. In the 2022 general elections, not a single woman won a political seat beyond the legally mandated women representative position, reflecting the powerful cultural and financial barriers women face when attempting to enter the political arena.

Men as Allies: Supporting Women’s Leadership in Politics

The Expanding Spaces for Women's Political Participation in Kenya project, implemented by Uraia Trust with support from UN Women and Global Affairs Canada, is actively addressing these challenges. One of the most significant elements of the program is the engagement of men in supporting women's leadership aspirations. These Men Champions—community gatekeepers and respected elders—are leading peer-learning forums that bring together male and female gender champions to discuss how to create pathways for women to participate in politics and governance.

For generations, leadership in this region has been male dominated, with powerful clans selecting political aspirants. However, as Paul Ole Koisaba, a prominent elder in Nguruman, explains, “We cannot continue to make decisions that exclude half of our population. Our women have the skills and the vision to lead, and we must stand behind them.”

By challenging the traditional norms that have held women back, these men are setting the stage for women to run for office with the full backing of their communities. In doing so, they are not just supporting women—they are building a future where leadership is more inclusive and representative of all voices.

Read here the full article published by UN Women Africa on 5 October 2024.

In the remote yet strikingly beautiful Nguruman Escarpment of Kajiado County, Kenya, a transformative initiative is unfolding. Here, in a traditionally patriarchal Maasai community, a group of men—known as the Men Champions—has become crucial allies in the fight for gender equality in leadership. These men are part of a broader effort to challenge deep-seated cultural barriers, offering crucial support for women seeking political leadership in a county where progress has been slow.

Despite Kenya’s constitutional requirement that no more than two-thirds of elective or appointive positions be held by the same gender, Kajiado County remains a striking example of gender disparity. In the 2022 general elections, not a single woman won a political seat beyond the legally mandated women representative position, reflecting the powerful cultural and financial barriers women face when attempting to enter the political arena.

Men as Allies: Supporting Women’s Leadership in Politics

The Expanding Spaces for Women's Political Participation in Kenya project, implemented by Uraia Trust with support from UN Women and Global Affairs Canada, is actively addressing these challenges. One of the most significant elements of the program is the engagement of men in supporting women's leadership aspirations. These Men Champions—community gatekeepers and respected elders—are leading peer-learning forums that bring together male and female gender champions to discuss how to create pathways for women to participate in politics and governance.

For generations, leadership in this region has been male dominated, with powerful clans selecting political aspirants. However, as Paul Ole Koisaba, a prominent elder in Nguruman, explains, “We cannot continue to make decisions that exclude half of our population. Our women have the skills and the vision to lead, and we must stand behind them.”

By challenging the traditional norms that have held women back, these men are setting the stage for women to run for office with the full backing of their communities. In doing so, they are not just supporting women—they are building a future where leadership is more inclusive and representative of all voices.

Read here the full article published by UN Women Africa on 5 October 2024.

In the remote yet strikingly beautiful Nguruman Escarpment of Kajiado County, Kenya, a transformative initiative is unfolding. Here, in a traditionally patriarchal Maasai community, a group of men—known as the Men Champions—has become crucial allies in the fight for gender equality in leadership. These men are part of a broader effort to challenge deep-seated cultural barriers, offering crucial support for women seeking political leadership in a county where progress has been slow.

Despite Kenya’s constitutional requirement that no more than two-thirds of elective or appointive positions be held by the same gender, Kajiado County remains a striking example of gender disparity. In the 2022 general elections, not a single woman won a political seat beyond the legally mandated women representative position, reflecting the powerful cultural and financial barriers women face when attempting to enter the political arena.

Men as Allies: Supporting Women’s Leadership in Politics

The Expanding Spaces for Women's Political Participation in Kenya project, implemented by Uraia Trust with support from UN Women and Global Affairs Canada, is actively addressing these challenges. One of the most significant elements of the program is the engagement of men in supporting women's leadership aspirations. These Men Champions—community gatekeepers and respected elders—are leading peer-learning forums that bring together male and female gender champions to discuss how to create pathways for women to participate in politics and governance.

For generations, leadership in this region has been male dominated, with powerful clans selecting political aspirants. However, as Paul Ole Koisaba, a prominent elder in Nguruman, explains, “We cannot continue to make decisions that exclude half of our population. Our women have the skills and the vision to lead, and we must stand behind them.”

By challenging the traditional norms that have held women back, these men are setting the stage for women to run for office with the full backing of their communities. In doing so, they are not just supporting women—they are building a future where leadership is more inclusive and representative of all voices.

Read here the full article published by UN Women Africa on 5 October 2024.

In the remote yet strikingly beautiful Nguruman Escarpment of Kajiado County, Kenya, a transformative initiative is unfolding. Here, in a traditionally patriarchal Maasai community, a group of men—known as the Men Champions—has become crucial allies in the fight for gender equality in leadership. These men are part of a broader effort to challenge deep-seated cultural barriers, offering crucial support for women seeking political leadership in a county where progress has been slow.

Despite Kenya’s constitutional requirement that no more than two-thirds of elective or appointive positions be held by the same gender, Kajiado County remains a striking example of gender disparity. In the 2022 general elections, not a single woman won a political seat beyond the legally mandated women representative position, reflecting the powerful cultural and financial barriers women face when attempting to enter the political arena.

Men as Allies: Supporting Women’s Leadership in Politics

The Expanding Spaces for Women's Political Participation in Kenya project, implemented by Uraia Trust with support from UN Women and Global Affairs Canada, is actively addressing these challenges. One of the most significant elements of the program is the engagement of men in supporting women's leadership aspirations. These Men Champions—community gatekeepers and respected elders—are leading peer-learning forums that bring together male and female gender champions to discuss how to create pathways for women to participate in politics and governance.

For generations, leadership in this region has been male dominated, with powerful clans selecting political aspirants. However, as Paul Ole Koisaba, a prominent elder in Nguruman, explains, “We cannot continue to make decisions that exclude half of our population. Our women have the skills and the vision to lead, and we must stand behind them.”

By challenging the traditional norms that have held women back, these men are setting the stage for women to run for office with the full backing of their communities. In doing so, they are not just supporting women—they are building a future where leadership is more inclusive and representative of all voices.

Read here the full article published by UN Women Africa on 5 October 2024.

In the remote yet strikingly beautiful Nguruman Escarpment of Kajiado County, Kenya, a transformative initiative is unfolding. Here, in a traditionally patriarchal Maasai community, a group of men—known as the Men Champions—has become crucial allies in the fight for gender equality in leadership. These men are part of a broader effort to challenge deep-seated cultural barriers, offering crucial support for women seeking political leadership in a county where progress has been slow.

Despite Kenya’s constitutional requirement that no more than two-thirds of elective or appointive positions be held by the same gender, Kajiado County remains a striking example of gender disparity. In the 2022 general elections, not a single woman won a political seat beyond the legally mandated women representative position, reflecting the powerful cultural and financial barriers women face when attempting to enter the political arena.

Men as Allies: Supporting Women’s Leadership in Politics

The Expanding Spaces for Women's Political Participation in Kenya project, implemented by Uraia Trust with support from UN Women and Global Affairs Canada, is actively addressing these challenges. One of the most significant elements of the program is the engagement of men in supporting women's leadership aspirations. These Men Champions—community gatekeepers and respected elders—are leading peer-learning forums that bring together male and female gender champions to discuss how to create pathways for women to participate in politics and governance.

For generations, leadership in this region has been male dominated, with powerful clans selecting political aspirants. However, as Paul Ole Koisaba, a prominent elder in Nguruman, explains, “We cannot continue to make decisions that exclude half of our population. Our women have the skills and the vision to lead, and we must stand behind them.”

By challenging the traditional norms that have held women back, these men are setting the stage for women to run for office with the full backing of their communities. In doing so, they are not just supporting women—they are building a future where leadership is more inclusive and representative of all voices.

Read here the full article published by UN Women Africa on 5 October 2024.

In the remote yet strikingly beautiful Nguruman Escarpment of Kajiado County, Kenya, a transformative initiative is unfolding. Here, in a traditionally patriarchal Maasai community, a group of men—known as the Men Champions—has become crucial allies in the fight for gender equality in leadership. These men are part of a broader effort to challenge deep-seated cultural barriers, offering crucial support for women seeking political leadership in a county where progress has been slow.

Despite Kenya’s constitutional requirement that no more than two-thirds of elective or appointive positions be held by the same gender, Kajiado County remains a striking example of gender disparity. In the 2022 general elections, not a single woman won a political seat beyond the legally mandated women representative position, reflecting the powerful cultural and financial barriers women face when attempting to enter the political arena.

Men as Allies: Supporting Women’s Leadership in Politics

The Expanding Spaces for Women's Political Participation in Kenya project, implemented by Uraia Trust with support from UN Women and Global Affairs Canada, is actively addressing these challenges. One of the most significant elements of the program is the engagement of men in supporting women's leadership aspirations. These Men Champions—community gatekeepers and respected elders—are leading peer-learning forums that bring together male and female gender champions to discuss how to create pathways for women to participate in politics and governance.

For generations, leadership in this region has been male dominated, with powerful clans selecting political aspirants. However, as Paul Ole Koisaba, a prominent elder in Nguruman, explains, “We cannot continue to make decisions that exclude half of our population. Our women have the skills and the vision to lead, and we must stand behind them.”

By challenging the traditional norms that have held women back, these men are setting the stage for women to run for office with the full backing of their communities. In doing so, they are not just supporting women—they are building a future where leadership is more inclusive and representative of all voices.

Read here the full article published by UN Women Africa on 5 October 2024.