Busia: The Busia political landscape has long been criticized for its underrepresentation of women, reflecting deep-rooted cultural norms that prioritize traditional roles over self-expression and career development among the female gender.
According to Kenya News Agency, however, growing advocacy efforts, education inclusion, and economic empowerment are now being viewed as a driving force towards breaking the barriers to give equal opportunities when it comes to leadership roles in society.
Busia and Kenya, at large, have seen few women being elected to represent the society, a move which has sparked mixed reactions forcing gender advocates to champion for one-third gender inclusion in all leadership positions.
In the 2022 general elections, only four women were elected to political positions in Busia County, which included two MPs for the national assembly and two MCAs out of all 47 elective positions.
The current Busia County women representative, Catherine Omanyo, and Teso South MP, Mary Emase, are among a few successful women who have defied the cultural norms to take bold steps to take on men head-on in their political journey.
Omanyo surprised many in the Bakhayo community when she was challenged by then Finance Minister and Member of Parliament Chrisantus Okemo and John Sakwa Bunyasi in a heated contest, where she lost, emerging as the third-best candidate in the 2007 election.
Not being deterred from her dream, the passionate Omanyo was back on the ballot in the 2013 general election, again losing out to John Bunyasi, who was elected the MP for Nambale on the ANC ticket.
“Growing up in Busia, rural Kenya, I encountered many bottlenecks in life which would have rendered many in life obscure. I was raised by a single poor widow, working as a nanny. I had to sneak my way to school to afford education and plead with teachers to allow me to sit for exams without paying school fees,” Omanyo told KNA.
The legislator added that “to be poor is a challenge; to be a rural, poor young woman is a grievous challenge.”
Inspired by her past life, Omanyo established an education center, which supports the less vulnerable in society, even as she remains determined to mold them in their leadership and political journey as youths.
“I have sacrificed every bit of my life, comfort, and resources and that of my family, so that I can accord a meaningful life to the poor and destitute. My rural home is a home for many poor children, orphans, and those with HIV,” she said.
“I fight for the rights of women and orphaned children, especially on the inheritance of property. I pay litigation fees and fight for them to secure property after the loss of their fathers or husbands. Western Kenya culture denies women the right to inherit. Reforms in property succession law are yet to be fully implemented in rural areas,” noted Omanyo.
The MP is among the first leaderships in the Bakhayo community to ever hold elective positions and top leadership at the national level.
“Kipepeo,” which has been her nickname in the political arena, has shifted focus and resources on giving wings to the vulnerable just like her name.
“I have a youth talent development program that has run successfully from 2012 to date. I focus on behavior and attitude change through value-based mentorship for the youth. We teach life skills, leadership, career development, sports, and entrepreneurship. This program gives them space and exposure to further their dreams and access opportunities. More than 1000 youths have been empowered. Some have successfully made a career out of talents like music disc jockey (DJ) and arts,” noted Omanyo.
In order to empower more women in society, the Omanyo foundation is working with 35 women groups uplifting them through grants and other forms of empowerment, like poultry, dairy farming, and group posh mills to ensure they are self-reliant.
The legislator has trained over 200 women on hands-on skills like tailoring, hairdressing, driving, and welding, something which was rare and unheard of especially among married women in society.
“In efforts to promote education and reduce stigma among school-going and less vulnerable people in society, I launched an anti-jigger campaign targeting hundreds who had been secluded due to this condition. We have restored hopes and managed to build houses for those living in deplorable conditions across the county,” she narrated.
The MP, who is an advocate and human rights activist, has been the mouthpiece for many in society, a move which had earned her honor globally having been invited to speak in women’s forums in Iceland and Torquay Girls in Great Britain in recent days.
“I was honored by the Torquay Girls School in the UK where a dormitory has been named after my name, after I gave my speech on the struggle of women in leadership in Africa,” she said.
Omanyo was also ranked among the top 20 performing leaders countrywide and has been outspoken both in parliament and outside in the political arena.
Meanwhile, her work as the women rep in Busia continues to inspire many, hence the need for the inclusion of more women into leadership roles in the country.