Gender Equality: President Ruto Appoints 16 Women Ambassadors

President William Ruto has announced the appointment of 16 women to ambassadorial roles across various countries.

In a statement, Ruto highlights the significance of these appointments with 10 women assuming ambassadorial positions and the remaining six serving as deputy ambassadors. Ruto expresses his satisfaction with the decision, recognizing the invaluable role women play in leadership roles. He says, "This morning I have appointed 10 more women as ambassadors in different parts of the world and another six deputy ambassadors in recognition of the contribution of women in the leadership of women,"

President Ruto pledges his commitment to empowering women by increasing their representation in leadership positions. He acknowledges the importance of achieving the constitutional requirement of gender parity, also known as the "one-third rule." To fulfil this pledge, President Ruto outlines a strategic approach that will be implemented at both the party and policy levels. This strategy aims to ensure women have a greater chance of being elected to representative positions across Kenya.

"We've also resolved to be highly intentional as I was requested here by the Woman Representative of Embu county in actualising the Constitutional Gender inclusion principle or the one third rule through various strategies including at the party and policy level for elective representative positions in Kenya," says Ruto.

Ruto's plan also involves ensuring a female Deputy President position in the near future. He intends to discuss this initiative with his current Deputy Rigathi Gachagua and establish a party policy. This policy would require a female running mate for a male presidential candidate and vice versa. This approach aims to support women in leadership roles and contribute to achieving the two-thirds gender rule in Kenya.

The President emphasizes that this strategy is not intended to disadvantage men, but rather to create a more equitable political landscape where both genders can contribute. He plans to extend this policy to county levels, requiring male gubernatorial candidates to have female running mates, and vice versa. Ruto highlightes the appointment of Embu Governor Cicily Mbarire as the UDA chairperson as a deliberate choice, not a coincidence. He commends other party leaders who have similarly supported female candidates.