The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has denounced remarks made by Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Phanice Naliaka against Woman Representative Lillian Siyoi Walubengo and called for a retraction and public apology.
In a statement on Sunday, March 30, KEWOPA condemned the remarks in which Naliaka alluded that since Walubengo's community was known to circumcise women, she saw herself as equal to men.
"KEWOPA is deeply concerned by the remarks made by Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member Phanice Naliaka, which trivialize women's leadership and reinforce harmful stereotypes," part of the statement read.
"Such statements are not only disrespectful but also detrimental to the fight for gender equality and the eradication of harmful cultural practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)."
The female association further emphasised that the women in leadership should not engage in such outdated perceptions but be defined by their vision, competence and dedication to service.
KEWOPA reiterated the harmful nature of FGM, which is already globally recognised as a violation of human rights, and no woman should be subjected to stigma or discrimination based on her background.
As such, they called on the CECM to retract her assertions and issue a public apology.
"KEWOPA stands firm in ensuring that all women, including FGM survivors, are accorded the respect, dignity, and opportunities they deserve. Kenya has come a long way in addressing gender discrimination and harmful practices, and such remarks would erode these gains," the statement.
"We urge all leaders to use their voice for advancing the rights of women, not for spreading inflammatory narratives. KEWOPA calls for a retraction of the statement and a public apology."
Naliaka's remarks did not only irk the lawmakers but also the Anti-FGM Board, who on Friday echoed KEWOPA's concerns over the harmful nature of the remarks to FGM survivors who are reportedly over four million countrywide.
"It is profoundly disheartening that such remarks come from a woman leader who should understand that FGM is a human rights violation," part of the statement by the board read.
"Kenya has more than four million survivors of FGM; women who are leaders, mothers, and wives. They are not any less human. Reducing them to stereotypes only deepens the stigma and undermines the fight against this harmful practice."
