I am Generation Equality: Lucy Njoki
Date:
I am Generation Equality because…
I believe in a world where every woman, girl, and person - regardless of gender - has equal opportunities and lives a dignified and safe life. My name is Lucy Njoki, and I am a member of Grassroots Organizations Operating Together in Sisterhood (GROOTS). At GROOTS Kenya, we are committed to empowering women at the grassroots level and in creating an environment where they can thrive.
How do you see Generation Equality making a difference in your country?
The government of Kenya as one of the Action Coalition Leaders committed to ending gender-based violence (GBV) made significant efforts in advancing gender equality and ending all forms of GBV. For example, the government has committed to establishing shelters or safe houses for GBV survivors, with three currently operational and a commitment to establish 44 more – meaning one government funded shelter/ safe house per county. In the response and recovery of a GBV survivor’s journey, shelters or safe houses provide essential services including temporary housing, counseling, legal support and even skills training to increase the survivor’s economic resilience. .
What specific goals did you hope to achieve through your participation in the Beijing +30 review?
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted in 1995, and the 5-yearly review processes provided us with the opportunity to pause and celebrate milestones as well as identify gaps and challenges that we still face in achieving gender equality. At GROOTS Kenya, we have been focusing on addressing GBV, leadership, climate change, and gender injustice. Our key goal is to empower women assume leadership roles and actively participate in decision-making processes. Through our programs, we strengthen the grassroots movements to explore solutions and ensure their voices are heard. The Beijing +30 review has strengthened our resolve to continue advancing the gender equality agenda in Kenya
What are the key takeaways of the Beijing +30 review?
What stood out for me was the strength and unity showed by women from different organizations and across different African countries. When women come together, no one can stop us. As the saying goes, "If you want to go faster, go alone, if you want to go far, go together”. The African Beijing+30 review meeting enabled women to speak boldly on milestones and persistent challenges they face from the household to national and global platforms.
Three things you can do to be part of Generation Equality:
- Amplify and support women in leadership and decision-making positions.
- Call for the elimination of GBV and advocate for safe spaces/ shelters for survivors.
- Advocate for equal opportunities in land ownership for women, especially in grassroots communities.
Quote: “The Beijing +30 review has strengthened our resolve as grassroots women to continue advancing the gender equality agenda in Kenya” - Lucy Njoki