Members of Parliament have called for stronger accountability mechanisms, adequate resource allocation and timely implementation of policies aimed at advancing Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) noting that legislation alone will not deliver meaningful change without effective execution.
The calls were made during a capacity-strengthening workshop on Women’s Economic Empowerment jointly organised by the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) and the Institute of Public Finance (IPF), with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. 
The workshop brought together legislators to strengthen parliamentary action on gender-responsive legislation, budgeting and oversight.
Speaking on behalf of KEWOPA Chairperson Hon. Leah Sankaire, Hon. Irene Mayaka said advancing women’s economic empowerment is a shared responsibility that requires both women and men to work together.
She noted that meaningful progress towards gender equality can only be achieved through inclusive partnerships, adding that Parliament has a critical role in promoting equitable policies, supporting fair resource allocation and ensuring institutions effectively respond to the needs of all citizens.
IPF representative Ms. Victoria said Women’s economic empowerment cuts across multiple sectors, making collaboration among Parliamentary Committees essential.
She observed that strengthening budgeting processes, enhancing resource allocation, promoting cross-sectoral dialogue and holding the Executive accountable for implementing gender-responsive policies would accelerate progress towards inclusive economic development.
Facilitating the session, Mr. Chrispyn Afifu led Members through discussions on the National Policy on Women’s Economic Empowerment (NPWEE), whose overarching goal is to attain the highest level of women’s economic empowerment for inclusive and sustainable development.
He highlighted the policy’s key objectives, including creating an enabling policy environment, reducing gender disparities, expanding women’s access to economic resources, strengthening protection against climate-related and humanitarian shocks, enhancing stakeholder coordination and improving the production and use of gender statistics.
Members were also taken through Parliament’s constitutional mandate in advancing the policy through legislation, budget allocation and oversight of government programmes.
Contributing to the discussions, Teso South legislator, Hon. Mary Emaase welcomed the policy proposals but expressed concern over weak implementation.
“It is a good proposal, but the implementing agency is the problem. Until we address this issue, we will not move. There should be clear timelines for implementation and penalties for agencies that fail to comply,” she said.
Kisumu County MP, Hon. Ruth Odinga raised concern over the shrinking leadership space for women, saying deliberate efforts are needed to safeguard and expand women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.
Her Nyamira County counterpart, Hon. Jerusha Momanyi noted that women leaders often face disproportionate criticism whenever they make mistakes, despite the high expectations placed upon them.
Adding his voice to the debate, Matuga lawmaker, Hon. Tandaza Sawa urged legislators to actively participate whenever key policy proposals are brought before Parliament to ensure their views are captured before decisions are made.
During the plenary session, Members proposed the establishment of dedicated gender-budgeting teams within Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to analyse budgets through a gender lens, monitor implementation and regularly report on progress.
Members also emphasised the need for inclusivity, observing that while empowering women remains a national priority, programmes should also address challenges facing men to achieve balanced socio-economic development.
The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts by KEWOPA and IPF to strengthen Parliament’s capacity to champion gender-responsive legislation, budgeting and oversight, while fostering collaboration between women and male allies in advancing women’s economic empowerment and inclusive national development.