By:Betty Luke
Women during a caucus meeting in Isiolo’s Wabera ward. PHOTO/Courtesy
A section of women from Isiolo’s Wabera ward have called for the establishment of women councils of elders across all communities saying the move would give them a stronger voice in political decision-making ahead of the 2027 General Election.
They argued that while negotiated democracy remained the dominant system of determining political leadership in Isiolo, women had been consistently sidelined.
Political leadership in Isiolo is largely shaped through negotiated democracy where community councils of elders endorse candidates for elective positions before elections.
Participants said the process has historically favored men with women rarely receiving endorsements despite constitutional provisions on gender equality.
Burat MCA aspirant Amina Mohammed said it was time for women to organize themselves through their own councils of elders to ensure their voices are heard before major political decisions are made.
“Whenever elders sit down to negotiate leadership it is always men who are fronted. Negotiated democracy has never favored women,” she said.
Amina urged women to support one another in politics, saying they have repeatedly demonstrated capable leadership whenever given the opportunity.
“A woman is the pillar of society and performs to the best of her ability whenever given an opportunity. Let us support each other as women,” she said.
Unfavorable cultural beliefs also continue to discourage women from challenging decisions made by men.
“Culture has made us believe we should always stand behind men. Today, women are empowered enough to question decisions and demand support for women seeking leadership positions,” she said.
Ms Sadia Wako said although some women are members of community councils of elders, they are rarely given an opportunity to participate in discussions or influence decisions.
“We need women councils of elders to negotiate leadership positions for women and ensure our priorities are included. Women also need to build confidence to fight for what is rightfully theirs,” she said.
They spoke during a women caucus meeting organized by the Horn of Africa Institute (HoAI) in partnership with the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC).
HoAI representative Kathambi Muriungi said the caucuses sought to offer a structured platform for collecting women’s views and presenting them to community elders.
She expressed optimism that the views gathered would inform major political decisions before and during the General Elections.
The organization seeks to support formation of similar women caucuses in Chari, Cherab, Garbatulla, Kinna and Sericho wards.