The center for community mobilization and empowerment CECOME participated in the customization and validation of the gender mainstreaming policy for Kisii County. The policy is aimed at addressing the gender gaps in the ministry of health.
The validation meeting that involved members of the County Health Management Team (CHMT), CECOME and Population Services Kenya went through the draft one policy that was customized by a team which part of our staff (Project Officer Julius Ayunga and Communication Officer Walter Mounde) participated in.
“Kisii county government, department of health services is committed to ensuring that gender mainstreaming is enhanced in its operations at the planning and decision making processes.” Reads part of the policy.
“This is such a good policy. It will address the gender gaps in the CHMT and Health staff. It will demystify the gender professional myths in the health sector and streamline services to men, women, boys and girls. Thanks to CECOME for coming in strongly in addressing GBV in our county” Leah Ogega-Reproductive health Coordinator – Kisii County.
“The policy is long overdue; we are in the right path towards achieving gender equality. We have been challenged before in implementing matters gender because of resource allocation but this policy will help channel resources to the health department for the same. I am happy to meet CECOME, and hope to engage more in the future. ” Ruth Mogaka – Chief Nurse – Kisii County.
“This is a historic document that will help us address matters Gender Based Violence (GBV) and provide guidelines for the same. It will help bring together partners against GBV and work on the facilities to make them gender sensitive. CECOME is doing a great work especially in information dissemination and awareness creation in our county. “Margaret Mogaka – County Gender Focal Person – MOH.
“The policy is strong, hope it’s implemented in detail. I am more impressed by the provision for awareness and advocacy on GBV, sexual rights and gender roles. I am happy that CECOME has played a key role in its validation.” Beatrice Matara – County Health Promotion Officer.
“The policy seeks to articulate inclusivity and integration of men, women, boys and girls in the health services delivery. We applaud this as a positive development and believe that it will help build a gender informed work force and lead to equitable service delivery. We are happy to have stood strong to be counted in the development of this document. ” Stella Achoki – Executive Director CECOME.
The gender policy will enable the County health services department to align itself with national priorities on gender equality as stipulated in the Constitution (2010), Vision 2030, Medium Term Plan (MTP) II and the Kenya National Policy on Gender and Development (NPGD), the health Act (2017) and gender discrimination against girls and women as stipulated in the Centre on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women CEDAW (June 2011).
