The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA)  in partnership with the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST) held a capacity building retreat focusing on gender, peace-building, gender-responsive budgeting and tackling gender-based hate speech.

Members discussed the pivotal role of women in shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for Kenya. At the event, KEWOPA Members actively engaged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), recognizing their pivotal role in promoting national cohesion, integration and peaceful coexistence.

Giving the opening remarks, the Deputy Clerk Mrs. Serah Kioko said, “my desire is to have many more programmes generated to empower women in our country. Women in leadership not only speak for their constituents but for all women and for the vulnerable.

The women Members of Parliament are pushing for Gender-responsive budgeting as a crucial tool for advancing gender equality and promoting women's empowerment in Kenya. This entails integrating a gender perspective into the budgetary process to ensure that public resources are allocated in a way that addresses the specific needs and priorities of men and women.

According to the Members, by identifying and rectifying gender-based disparities in resource allocation, gender-responsive budgeting aims to bridge gaps in access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities and social services. This approach helps create a more equitable society where women can thrive and contribute fully to national development.