Tag: Sabina Chege news

Nominated Member of Parliament (MP) Sabina Chege has sparked debate with her call for women to achieve financial independence as a potential solution to the epidemic of femicide in Kenya. While her sentiment echoes a broader societal conversation, it raises complex questions about addressing the root causes of violence against women.

Hard Work and Self-Reliance

Speaking on January 30th, Sabina emphasized the importance of young women building their own foundations and not relying solely on men for financial security. She believes this, paired with increased counseling and mentorship programs, could contribute to curbing femicide cases. “Counselling, mentorship and girls accepting that you can’t start life from the top is a start to reducing femicide cases. What comes easy goes easy. Girls need to know how to work hard. There is no free money in this world,” she stated.

Sabina’s remarks come amidst a surge in femicide, with over 16 women brutally murdered within a month. This has sparked outrage and prompted protests across the country demanding protection for women and girls. On the same day, the Ministry of Interior held a consultative meeting to discuss strategies to combat this alarming trend.

Beyond Financial Independence:

While financial independence can empower women, experts caution against simplifying the issue of femicide. Poverty and vulnerability are not always primary motivations for attackers, who may be driven by a range of factors including patriarchal attitudes, power imbalances, and mental health issues. Addressing these factors requires a comprehensive approach that also focuses on:

• Strengthening law enforcement and legal systems: Ensuring swift and effective prosecution of perpetrators is crucial to deterring future violence.
• Promoting gender equality: Combating entrenched gender norms that normalize male dominance and control over women is essential for long-term change.
• Mental health support: Providing accessible and appropriate mental health services for both victims and perpetrators can help break the cycle of violence.
• Community engagement: Enlisting men and boys as allies in preventing violence against women is vital for creating a safer society for all.

The struggle against femicide demands a multifaceted approach that goes beyond individual financial empowerment. While encouraging hard work and self-reliance among women is important, it must be part of a broader societal effort to address the deep-rooted causes of violence and create a culture of respect and equality for all.

Nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege shared her perspective on the effectiveness of street protests in addressing femicide during a radio interview with Gukena FM.

Chege commended the efforts but stressed the need for a more targeted approach to achieve lasting change. She highlighted the importance of engaging the right audience and initiating dialogues rather than solely relying on protests.

While acknowledging the impact of recent marches, Chege suggested a more strategic approach, emphasizing reaching out to educational institutions, especially universities and colleges, to engage with young women directly. She proposed creating awareness through forums and discussions in places like hostels where young women reside.

According to Chege, the streets are primarily for media coverage, and more effective communication could be achieved by directly engaging with girls in educational institutions. She recommended mentorship programs and counseling centers to address the issue of femicide.

Chege underscored the importance of supporting girls who have experienced or are at risk of falling victim to femicide, emphasizing the need for awareness and understanding of their challenges.

In addition, Sabina Chege encouraged young women to focus on empowerment and personal development, advising them to prioritize hard work over a quick pursuit of financial gain. She emphasized the importance of understanding that success often comes through perseverance and effort rather than seeking shortcuts.

Nominated MP Sabina Chege has expressed her desire to become Kenya’s first female president. In an interview with media personality Willis Raburu, Chege said she is confident that she can lead the country effectively.

“I pray that I will be the first female President of Kenya and I pray to God that that day will come,” Chege said. “I can tell you about women and leadership. When a woman is in position, she is a mother; she can take care of everybody.”

Chege also compared male and female leaders, saying that men can sometimes be “abrasive and high-handed,” while women are more likely to be nurturing and inclusive.

Chege’s political journey began in 2013 when she was elected Woman Representative for Murang’a County. She has served in various roles within the Jubilee Party, including acting party leader.

Chege’s aspiration to become president is ambitious, but she is not the first Kenyan woman to express such an interest. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to promote women’s leadership in the country.

Whether or not Chege will achieve her goal of becoming president remains to be seen. However, her ambition is an inspiration to women across Kenya who are aspiring to leadership positions.