First lady Margaret Kenyatta Urges Women Involvement in Decision Making

The first lady expressed the need for gender equality, saying that women should be especially involved in peaceful negotiations.

Ms Kenyatta described women as crucial contributors to all spheres of the society but regretted that women are not always treated fairly by both family and society.

“But as women we are not always treated fairly; not by family or community. Our interests are neither well received nor are they acted upon”, she said.

The First Lady was speaking at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) where she opened the National Assembly Lady Spouses Association of Kenya (NALSA-K) two–day conference. 

NALSA draws its membership from the wives of male Members of Parliament.

The women retain life membership even after their husbands cease being members of the National Assembly.

The First Lady described as noble the peace, cohesion and integration initiatives undertaken by NALSA, and urged the association to visit schools, both primary and secondary, and inculcate the same values among the youth.

“These initiatives will educate Kenyans on the importance of national cohesion and national values”, she said.

She further added that with active and focused leadership, NALSA, in collaboration with government departments, will convert many Kenyans into active agents of change.

She said the association holds a unique position due to the close interaction its members have with their communities.

“As spouses of leaders (MPs), you are well placed to create positive attitudes in our country”, added the First Lady.

She asked NALSA members to be the moral and social voice of the Kenyan people.

Others who addressed the gathering included the outgoing Principal Secretary for Interior, Ambassador Monica Juma, the Secretary to the Directorate of National Cohesion and National values Mr Michael Ndung’u and NALSA Chairperson Jackie Kiaraho.