County Commissioner Lauds Male Inclusion Campaign Timely

Vihiga,

Wednesday, October 4, 2023,

KNA, by Sammy Mwibanda

Vihiga County Commissioner (CC) Felix Watakila has lauded the National Government for moving to rectify a situation where females are being given priority in being empowered, leaving the male gender disadvantaged.

Mr. Watakila pointed out that the early proponents of women empowerment applied the feminist ideology that saw resources and opportunities directed towards the female gender and in the long run the males have now been marginalized.

The CC, who spoke during the meeting to constitute the County male engagement and inclusion committee said time was ripe for the agitation for male inclusion in the socio-economic empowerment campaigns.

On her part, the county National Council for Persons with Disability (NCPWD) director Ruth Oyier called on the stakeholders to ensure the male engagement and inclusion debate gives special attention to the disabled.

Oyier stated that when boys and men are afflicted by Gender Based Violence (GBV), those with disabilities, especially the deaf and dumb, suffer more because they cannot express themselves clearly or their communication cannot be effectively decoded by many in the society.

The NCPWD director, who has hearing and speaking challenges, said persons suffering from various disabilities should also be given equal opportunities in all the socio-economic empowerment programmes undertaken. Tom Onzere, a Community Based Organization (CBO) representative stated that the pursuit for gender equality and inclusivity should be conducted in a manner that improves the weak points without jeopardizing the gains so far made.

He took issue with the Sexual Offences Act saying some of its provisions are protective to the girl child while at the same time criminalizing the boy child in cases of defilement.

Courtesy; KNA