International Women’s Day 2025: The gendered Spirit of the Kenyan Constitution must be realized now

8 March 2025, Nairobi, Kenya

On this occasion of International Women’s Day, the Defenders Coalition honours the strength, resilience, passion, courage and leadership of the women and girls in Kenya.

This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, underscores the urgency of unlocking equal rights, power, and opportunities for all while championing a feminist future where no one is left behind. Accelerating action emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face and creating a sustainable future where women can thrive.

This occasion presents an opportunity to reflect on the realities of women and girls across Kenya and in their diversity, including women human rights defenders, feminist groups, Indigenous people and gender minority rights groups.

In her remarks, Gloria Madegwa – the Head of Programmes at the Defenders Coalition noted that International Women’s Day is a moment when the whole world stops to recognize women and girls for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political.

“It’s paramount to take a moment to appreciate the milestones made over the years by women towards realizing equality and dignity across the gender divide.

Further, Gloria noted that despite the gains, women have continued to face obstacles that require collective action to be eradicated.

“For generations, women have been the backbone of our communities, rebuilding in times of crisis, defending human rights, and shaping democracy. Yet, despite their invaluable contributions, too many doors remain closed, preventing women’s full participation in political, economic, and social life.”

As we commemorate International Women’s Day, the Defenders Coalition celebrates yet again the many milestones that have been made towards safeguarding the rights and freedoms of women and girls in Kenya. We also draw urgent attention to the persistent challenges that threaten the rights, freedoms and dignity of all women in Kenya in their diversity.

“Despite tremendous progress in policy and legal frameworks, women in Kenya are faced with significant challenges including sexual and gender-based violation, economic exclusion, femicide and unprecedented threats to the exercise of their civic freedoms,” Gloria added.

The 2025 commemoration comes at a time when it’s increasingly becoming difficult for women and girls to live normal lives due to increased insecurity and systemic challenges that hinder access to justice for the victims and survivors of these violations.

“Women and girls have been forced to exercise extra caution to safeguard their safety and well-being, even within their homes, the very spaces where they should feel most secure,” said Mary Simat -Chairperson Board of Trustees of the Defenders  Coalition.

Further, Mary Simat emphasized that increased violence targeting women depicts reluctance to enforce laws and implement policies/programmes that deter the occurrence of violence of this magnitude.

“The increasing incidents of gender-based violence and femicide across the country highlight the minimal efforts being made to address these issues effectively. Ensuring the protection of women’s rights, including their right to live free from violence, is a shared societal responsibility that demands urgent and collective action.”

The Defenders Coalition stands in solidarity with all women in Kenya and beyond. Our resolve to intensify advocacy for a just and equal society where women and girls are free to be themselves.

As such, this occasion presents a renewed opportunity for the government of Kenya to walk the talk and implement the gendered spirit of Kenya’s Constitution.

Looking forward, the Defenders Coalition calls on the Kenyan government to:

1. Strengthen its legal protection and accountability by ensuring that the Sexual Offences Act, the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, and the National Policy on Gender and Development are fully implemented so that victims and survivors of gender-based violence realize justice.
2. The End Femicide and Gender-Based Killings Task Force must shake off the unbecoming track record of task forces and deliver data-driven interventions to curb the rising numbers.
3. Recognize and safeguard the critical role played by WHRDs through the adoption of policies that prevent any form of intimidation or harassment and ensure their safety.