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Abstract

This article assesses the notion of gender parity and its function towards inclusive advancement in the Kenyan context. Gender parity has been extensively acknowledged in the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, although its intended outcomes still need to be attained. Men and women have different needs, which should be harmonized for efforts geared towards achieving inclusive advancement. Both are entitled to equity in the advancement agenda. Through secondary research, this paper reviews the international, regional, and national frameworks on gender equity to which Kenya is a signatory. These frameworks are significant in supporting the country's efforts towards gender equity. The paper further maps out the four major structural impediments to gender equity: poverty, lack of education, uneven access to resources, and retrogressive cultures. These structural impediments have maintained the status quo as they are socioeconomic and linked to gender inequity indicators. Additionally, this paper argues that for inclusive advancement to be realized in Kenya, the notion of gender parity must be acknowledged; both men and women should be empowered for equitable gender participation. This development is only possible with the meaningful involvement of both genders.

Author Biography

Ms. Kenyatta, Gloria Nyambura is a Ph.D. Student in Political Science at the University of Freiburg, Germany, and a research fellow at the Arnold Bergstraesser Institute in Freiburg, focusing on the Global South. She is the Deputy Clerk of Bomet County Assembly, a devolved legislature in Kenya. She holds a master’s degree in Rural Sociology and Community Development from the University of Nairobi, and a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies-Community Development from Kenyatta University, Kenya. Her areas of interest include gender equity, citizen engagement, political participation, devolved governance, public policy, and community development. Her email address is kenyattagloria@yahoo.com.

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