Ida Odinga, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's wife held a meeting with seven female governors in New York to discuss ways of delivering devolution through good governance.
During the launch of the G7 Strategy in the United States, the Council of Governors women caucus, Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru noted that the aim is to mobilise various partners towards supporting the implementation of gender equality in leadership roles.
Waiguru, who acts as the Council of Governors, explained that the forum was based on three areas; developing a mentorship program to support women leaders at the grassroots level, establishing a strong communication and branding strategy, and identifying potential and able women leaders to be trained to take up leadership positions.
Part of the G7 strategy's vision involves modelling female governors as transformative leaders and champions of inclusive political representation and participation.
According to the CoG chair, the G7 strategy would guide the current female governors in addressing the community's needs and spearheading the next crop of female leaders.
In a statement endorsed by Ida and other female governors, Waiguru emphasised the necessity of formulating sustainable funding strategies to facilitate the implementation of the strategy.
She advocated for the adoption of a G7 approach that incorporates a Pan-African Movement, aiming to inspire other countries with similar governance systems. Such an approach, she asserted, would enhance women's political participation and representation.
The launch was attended by governors Susan Kihika (Nakuru), Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos), Cecily Mbarire (Embu), and Gladys Wanga (Homabay), alongside female leaders from various other African countries.
During the event, Waiguru underscored the pivotal role of female leaders as catalysts for societal change and economic growth, emphasising their significance in fostering stability within communities.
The G7 launch in New York was the culmination of the strategy that had earlier been launched by President William Ruto who reaffirmed his commitment to gender equality.
On March 7, 2024, Ruto promised to push for the implementation of recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report that sought to achieve the two-thirds gender principle. The report recommended the amendment of the Election Act 2011 to allow parties to submit lists that comply with the gender rule.
