YWIP Campaign
Young Women In Politics 50:50 Campaign
This campaign by the Social Justice League (SJL) aims to empower young women in Kenyan politics. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office through IFA (Institut fur Auslandsbeziehungen)’s Zivik Funding Program, the project focuses on four counties: Homabay, Samburu, Kiambu, and Bomet.
Why the four counties?
They represent the different regions of Kenya that have unique and diverse socio- political underpinnings with Homabay, Samburu and Bomet considered rural counties with deeply rooted cultural and patriarchal norms. The counties of Homabay, Kiambu and Bomet represents three of the politically dominant ethnic tribes of Kenya, with Samburu representing a marginally excluded tribe as far as political representation is concerned. These counties therefore will provide key representative data on the participation of young women in Kenyan politics over the 47 counties.
Key goals:
- Raise awareness about challenges faced by young women in politics, including:
- Systemic barriers and prejudices
- Gendered nature of Kenyan elections
- Difficulty securing campaign financing
- Psychological toll of the electoral process (e.g., depression, stigma)
- Gender, cultural, ethnic, and religious stereotypes
- Limited access to political opportunities for young women within political parties
- Encourage young women to actively participate in politics.
- Advocate for a free, safe, and inclusive political environment for young women.
- Highlight the success stories of veteran Kenyan women politicians.
- Promote the importance of gender equality in governance.
Target groups:
- Young women in politics (under 35 years old)
- Young women who attempted to run for office but lost
- Veteran female politicians
- Civil society organizations (CSOs)
- Cultural political and religious leaders
- Policymakers
- Political parties
- Kenyan public
Project activities:
- Sharing stories and experiences of young women involved in politics.
- Dialogue sessions with different target groups.
- Capacity-building programs for CSOs and cultural/religious leaders.
- Building partnerships with targeted counties and stakeholders.
- Engagements with key stakeholders like village elders, political parties, and women caucuses, youth groups, and people with disabilities.
- Providing mentorship programs with experienced women politicians.
- Offering psychosocial support, legal aid, and professional image building for young women in politics.
Expected outcomes:
- Increased awareness of challenges faced by women in politics.
- More young female candidates in future Kenyan elections.
- Stronger coalitions supporting young women in politics.
- Integrated support systems for young women, including mental health resources, legal assistance, and professional development.
Join the movement!
Are you passionate about women leadership? JOIN our campaign today.
CONTACT US at info@socialjusticeleagueke.org
Follow us on social media @Social Justice League Kenya
Our hashtags
#HerJourneyHerPoliticsHerStory
#50/50Campaign
#YoungWomenInPoliticsKe