April 11 - Kisumu – The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director for Kenya Karen Freeman joined the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) to launch a Women’s Leadership Academy.  This series of trainings will prepare women to assume leadership roles within their political parties.

According to a USAID-supported post-election gender audit carried out by the Federation of Kenyan Women Lawyers, historic barriers still undermine women inclusion and participation in leadership.  Women seeking political office still lack critical political connections that would enable them to secure the initial nomination from their respective political parties.  This coupled with inadequate financial resources and irregularities in political party primaries lock women out.

“USAID is starting early to support sustainable initiatives aimed at addressing some of these barriers.  We are supporting the National Democratic Institute and the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association to initiate a women’s leadership training and mentorship program.  The program helps women build their leadership and campaigning skills and expand their political networks,” said Freeman.

Program participants are selected through a competitive process targeting: (1) young and emerging student leaders, (2) women party members, and (3) elected and nominated ward representatives interested in seeking elective office or a higher position in the next elections.  The Institute plans to target an initial 150 women with a focus on Nairobi, Kisumu, Kiambu, Makueni and Uasin Gishu.  Participants from neighboring counties will also be considered.

USAID/Kenya is committed to help Kenyans implement constitutional reforms aimed at promoting inclusive governance for the benefit of all Kenyans.

USAID is the U.S. Government agency responsible for administering civilian foreign aid.