Hon. Minister Mugo, Hon Cabinet Minister Kilonzo, District Commissioner, Cherie Blair, ladies and gentlemen,
It is an honour and a privilege for me as the Swedish Ambassador to be here in Kibera today, celebrating the International Women’s day. Let me start by reminding ourselves what the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights is stating; “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”.
Yet all over the world, including in Kenya, women are struggling to overcome inequalities. Several women survivors have given their accounts this morning of sexual and gender based violence. other examples are unequal access to reproductive health, unequal access to political opportunities and injustices arising from laws, culture and traditions regarding women’s property rights.
I am honoured to be invited to speak here today, on the 100th anniversary of the International Women’s Day. Today is a celebration of the strength and achievements of all women, regardless of national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political differences.
2010 is also the 15th anniversary of the Beijing Plan of Action which was adopted on the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995.
My country, Sweden has cooperated with Kenya on development issues since Independence, i.e. during several decades. Here in Kibera, we are supporting various projects concerning housing, land ownership and human rights through the United Nations and through civil society.
Along with promoting democracy and human rights, gender equality is one of the main targets for Swedish development cooperation. Our prioritised areas are to strengthen women’s rights and power structures as well as power relations. It includes ensuring that all human beings, women as well as men, are considered equal. It also includes equal opportunities for men and women regarding political, economic and social rights. Sweden is fully committed to support Kenya in this process.
Gender discrimination is one of the main causes of poverty. Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan once said:
“Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance.” Sweden’s Statement of Government Policy, which was recently announced, states that Sweden will work towards better opportunities for strong European commitment within areas such as human rights, democracy and gender equality. In Kenya and other countries of cooperation, as well as in Europe.
Women’s participation in political and economic decision-making needs to be promoted. Sweden supports the measures that have been taken to ensure this in the current Constitutional Review Process in Kenya. It provides important opportunities for Kenyan women to increase their political and economic influence. But we also recognize that more can be done.
The Proposed Constitution established the Kenya National Human Rights and Equality Commission which, among other things, will promote gender equality. However, this decision brought an end to the Commission specifically committed to gender issues. How can we make sure that the gains of the National Commission on Gender and Development (NCDG) are retained? The Kenyan Government plays an important role in ensuring this.
Sweden’s policy pays attention to combating gender based violence. It is a severe violation on human rights resulting in trauma, unwanted pregnancy and the spread of HIV/AIDS. It is important to support and protect sexual health and reproduction rights for all women.
Many underprivileged girls and women in Kenya suffer from the lack of legal protection. Impunity by offenders of sexual and gender based violence must come to an end, and justice for the survivors ensured.
Since the International Women’s Day was established 100 years ago, plenty has happened concerning women’s rights. But there still is a long way to go before all human beings are born free and equal.
Let me quote Catherine Ashton, who recently was appointed High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, (which is a kind of EU foreign minister). She stated that : “It is a global challenge of the highest order to deliver gender equality and empower women, within Europe and beyond”.
I would like to conclude by expressing my appreciation of this opportunity to celebrate, to meet and to exchange experiences. I hope we will all carry on supporting one another in the pursuit of promoting and achieving gender equality. It is crucial for all of us, men and women alike.
Asanteni Sana!