Women inmates at the Nyahururu prisons celebrated International Women’s Day in style following a visit by a cross section of human rights organisations that spent the entire day with them.

The event brought together representatives from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), medical professionals, faith based organisations and the inmates. The event focused on empowering the inmates by educating them on their rights, mental health and overall well-being.

Meanwhile, Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili has called for concerted efforts from the political class and the civil society groups to ensure gender equality and empowerment for women and girls in the country. Mulili said there was need to advance women and girls rights by eliminating all forms of violence, discrimination and exploitation among them.

The DG said promotion of gender equality will only be achieved by addressing systemic barriers including dismantling of patriarchal practices and the entrenched inequalities, thus elevating the voices of the marginalised women and girls to ensure inclusivity and empowerment.

Mulili further said deliberate efforts must be made to ease women and girl access to education, employment, leadership and decision making spaces.

Speaking during the Nyahururu prison event, KNCHR Regional Coordinator Ruth Getobai, addressed the unique challenges women face behind bars stating that they were more vulnerable than men in prison. Getobai underscored the need to uphold women rights, which are not limited to labour rights, gender equality, proper medical care, legal assistance and mentorship programmes.

The director of St Martin CSA, a faith-based organisation, Maurice Muthiga, while advocating for vulnerable groups in Nyahururu, called on the women to seek mental health support.

“Mental health is crucial for one’s well-being. I urge the prisoners to seek guidance and counselling to help them cope,” Muthiga said.

Other speakers on women rights and empowerment, researching and understanding their mental well-being. They also called on scholars to focus on finding ways to uplift and support women, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights protected.

An inmate with a degree in education from Laikipia University, Joyce Kamau, encouraged fellow prisoners to embrace change and view incarceration as an opportunity for rehabilitation.

“Let’s embrace moral change and take prison life positively, keeping in mind that this is a rehabilitation unit for prisoners,” Kamau said.

The event served as a powerful reminder that incarceration should not mean the loss of dignity or lack of access to fundamental rights.

Meanwhile, by addressing legal, mental and physical health challenges, stakeholders hope to create a more supportive and rehabilitative environment for women in prison.

Addressing a public forum at Siembeni in Kibwezi West sub-county during celebrations to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, the Makueni deputy governor highlighted the need for leaders in political positions to champion women’s rights with a view to attaining gender equity.

Mulili also observed that that this year’s theme for the celebrations aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal that aims at eliminating discrimination, violence and harmful practices against women and girls, while promoting their equal participation in all aspects of life.

At the same time, she noted that Makueni has made strides in advancing gender equity through key policies including the Makueni County gender policy, children policy, disability policy, social protection policy, ultra-poor graduation policy and the gender-based violence policy, among others.

Speaking at the same event, Makueni County Women Representative Rose Museo called on leaders to partner with civil society organisations and the media to take action at the community level and invest in promoting women and girl rights in the area.

“I call upon the media, elected and corporate leaders, civil society, youth and all other actors of influence to take action in our communities and invest in promoting women’s rights and gender equality,” Museo said.

• A Tell / KNA report / By Esmanziah James, Esther Wanjiru and Albanus Kioko