Here’s what you need to know:
- Kenyan Senator Crystal Asige supports Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in her sexual harassment case against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
- Asige highlights systemic harassment against women in African politics.
- She calls for stronger protections for women and marginalized groups.
- Asige advocates for special legislative seats for People Living With Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria, drawing inspiration from Kenya’s affirmative action policies.
- The Haske Satumari Foundation emphasizes the need for disruptive, inclusive leadership in Africa.
Kenyan Senator Stands with Nigerian Colleague
Hold on to your hats, folks! Senator Crystal Asige from Kenya is throwing down the gauntlet. She’s publicly backing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in her explosive sexual harassment allegations against none other than Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This isn’t just a local squabble; it’s a full-blown international incident highlighting the struggles women face in African politics.
Systemic Harassment: An African Problem?
Senator Asige isn’t mincing words. She calls harassment a systemic issue, deeply rooted in patriarchy. According to her, women across Africa face intimidation and threats simply for daring to participate in politics. This isn’t just about one case; it’s about a widespread culture that needs to change. Senator Asige stated, “Women in politics, across Africa, continue to face harassment, threats, and intimidation simply for daring to take up space.”
A Personal Story of Discrimination
Asige’s commitment to this cause is deeply personal. Representing special needs groups in Kenya’s Senate, she shared a story of being assaulted by a cab driver because of her visual impairment. This experience fuels her passion for fighting for equity and inclusion. She explained, “We are not just battling harassment or abuse, but then we’re also battling the mindsets of the men around us who are the perpetrators of said harassment and abuse as well.”
Kenya’s Solution: Affirmative Action
So, what’s the solution? Asige points to Kenya’s affirmative action policies, which guarantee legislative representation for marginalized groups, including people with disabilities. She argues that Nigeria should follow suit, creating special legislative seats to ensure greater inclusion in governance. Imagine a parliament where those directly affected by policies are the ones crafting them!
Kenya’s constitution mandates affirmative action seats in both the National Assembly and the Senate and require at least one male and one female senator to represent persons with disabilities.
The Economic Cost of Exclusion
This isn’t just a matter of fairness; it’s about economics. Asige argues that Africa loses a staggering 10% of its annual GDP due to the exclusion of PWDs from key sectors like transport, health, and education. In other words, discrimination isn’t just morally wrong; it’s bad for business!
According to her, the African continent is losing about 10 per cent of its annual GDP due to a lack of inclusion of PWDs in transport, health, education, and employment sectors.
What’s Next for Nigeria?
The pressure is on Nigeria. Will the country take concrete steps to protect women in politics and ensure representation for marginalized groups? Or will this scandal be swept under the rug? The world is watching.
Haske Satumari Foundation Calls for Change
Adding fuel to the fire, the Haske Satumari Foundation is calling for disruptive leadership in Africa. They argue that accountable, inclusive, and equitable leadership is essential to spark real transformation. This isn’t just about replacing faces; it’s about changing the entire system.
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