NGEC Calls for Collective Action in Gender Equality at Nawiri Project Dissemination

Nairobi—Winfred Wambua, Deputy Director for Programs at the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), underscored the power of collaboration in advancing gender equality and ensuring oversight in policy implementation during the Nawiri Project Dissemination forum by the Population Council.

The event, held in Nairobi, brought together key stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers to discuss the project's findings and their implications for gender-responsive policies in Kenya.

Speaking at the forum, Wambua stressed that the fight for gender equality is a shared responsibility that extends beyond women’s advocacy. “Gender equality is not just a women’s issue; men must be part of the conversation, the advocacy, and the solutions,” she stated. She emphasised the critical role of men as allies in dismantling barriers to equal rights and opportunities, advocating for inclusive approaches in policy formulation and execution.

The Nawiri Project, a research initiative led by the Population Council, aims to address systemic gender disparities and empower vulnerable groups by promoting evidence-based policy interventions.

The dissemination event provided a platform for experts to analyse the findings and discuss actionable strategies for translating research into meaningful reforms.

Wambua highlighted the importance of institutional oversight, stressing the need for accountability in enforcing gender policies. “Achieving gender equality requires collective action. By working together—women, men, and institutions—we can hold stakeholders accountable and push for policies that truly empower everyone,” she noted.

Experts at the forum presented key findings, including gaps in genderresponsive programming, persistent economic inequalities, and the social barriers hindering women’s empowerment. The discussion also underscored the intersectionality of gender issues, highlighting how factors such as age, disability, and socioeconomic status compound challenges faced by marginalised groups.

Stakeholders at the forum called for strengthened collaboration among governmental and non-governmental bodies to enhance the effectiveness of gender policies. The discussions concluded with a collective commitment to integrating the Nawiri Project’s findings into policy frameworks to ensure more inclusive and equitable development outcomes.

As Kenya continues to push for gender equality, events such as the Nawiri Project Dissemination highlight the importance of research-driven policymaking and the role of multisectoral partnerships in effecting meaningful change.

Winfred Wambua, Deputy Director for Programs, addresses participants at the Nawiri Project Dissemination Forum