On 11th October 2024, KELIN proudly joined over 580 women at the East African Regional Dialogue, a pivotal gathering dedicated to advancing allyship and gender equality in global health leadership. Organized by Women Lift, the dialogue brought together diverse voices through engaging panel discussions that tackled the institutional and systemic barriers limiting women’s rise to leadership in the health sector. The event also highlighted the importance of investing in tools and strategies to empower women as leaders.
This dialogue took place against the backdrop of sobering research, which shows that while women make up over 70% of the global health workforce, only 25% occupy leadership positions. Addressing this imbalance is critical for achieving sustainable change.
As a key participant, KELIN underscored its commitment to women’s health rights, with a focus on grassroots mobilization and amplifying women’s voices in policy-making. Our programs are dedicated to fostering community movements that ensure women are fully included in decision-making at both local and national levels. KELIN’s presence at this dialogue reaffirms our role as a champion for women’s health rights and leadership in the region.
Some of the noted commitments include the institutional creation of space spaces for women’s career progression through advancement of education and providing opportunities as they arise for building of capacities.
“Humanize leadership and let the gender follow, let us not give the narrative that we are our own worst enemies the microphone, we need to dull it down by stepping up in excellence”, Dr Sylvia Vito – Executive Director, Eva Pharma
Moving forward, KELIN will actively pursue key partnerships with organizations formed during the dialogue to strengthen the inclusion of grassroots women in critical decision-making spaces. These collaborations aim to build the capacity of women leaders at the community level, emphasizing their vital role in leadership. Additionally, KELIN will work towards implementing joint initiatives to prioritize women’s health rights, particularly in the context of land, property, and other intersecting rights, ensuring that women’s health remains a central concern in all advocacy efforts.
To contribute to the discussions on this forum, follow KELIN on our social media platforms using the hashtag: #WLPRights #GlobalHealthrights #EADialogues2024
Twitter: @KELINKenya @SYFFKenya
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya
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For more information, please contact;
Jessica Oluoch,
Program Manager, Women Land & Property Rights
Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV & AIDS (KELIN)
Nyalenda Railways Estate, Block 9/220
Off Nairobi Road, Opposite YMCA
P.O. Box 7708| 40100 Kisumu – Kenya Email: joluoch@kelinkenya.org
