LSK President Faith Odhiambo Addresses Gender Equality at Annual Conference in Mombasa

 By Kelvin Malick

During the ongoing Law Society of Kenya (LSK) annual conference in Mombasa County, President Faith Odhiambo delivered a powerful address emphasizing the crucial need for gender equality in the legal and political spheres. 

Odhiambo outlined the progress made by women in various sectors, noting that more women are increasingly establishing themselves as partners in law firms and leading innovative businesses. However, she highlighted the alarming underrepresentation of women in Parliament and the urgent need for systemic change to achieve gender equity in politics.

"The current Parliament does not reflect our society’s gender diversity," Odhiambo stated, referencing ongoing discussions surrounding the two-thirds gender rule. "We must advocate for the dissolution of Parliament if it fails to address this glaring imbalance. Women deserve a seat at the table and an equal say in the laws that govern our nation."

She raised concerns about historical decisions, specifically mentioning David Maraga's dissenting opinion on the two-thirds gender rule and how those concerns should have prompted immediate action. "Should we not have implemented the necessary changes back then? The time for dialogue is over; it’s time for action," she asserted.

Odhiambo criticized the recent attempts to create advisory committees on gender representation that did not include adequate parliamentary oversight. "When important discussions about the two-thirds gender rule take place outside of Parliament, we must ask ourselves: who are we truly serving?" she inquired.

As she addressed the assembled delegates, Odhiambo called for greater accountability from elected officials. "Let’s hold our leaders accountable. They must understand that real development cannot occur without equal representation of women," she said passionately. "The argument that it’s too expensive to support women leaders is no longer tenable. We find money for corruption, and yet we skimp on funding representation."

Odhiambo further urged women in positions of power to take proactive measures to uplift and mentor their peers. "It is not enough for women to gain seats; we must ensure they are opening doors for others as well," she declared. 

At the conference, she pointed out the remarkable achievements of young women across various fields, such as science, entrepreneurship, and medicine, celebrating their contributions and potential to lead. "We have extraordinary young women who are not only breaking barriers but are also primed to take on leadership roles in our society," she stated, encouraging attendees to recognize and support these trailblazers.

In closing, LSK President Faith Odhiambo emphasized a collective responsibility to advocate for gender equality. "If you are not at the table, you are on the menu, and we must stop being the menu. It is time for us to reclaim our place in decision-making and ensure that the voices of women resonate in every corner of our nation," she urged, leaving the audience with a rallying call to embrace change and take action.

The conference continues to address key issues relating to the legal profession, governance, and societal transformation, with a clear focus on advancing gender equity in leadership roles across all sectors.