Women rights group decry rising verbal attacks ahead of elections

Kenya Female Advisory Organisation executive director Easter Okech  /Faith Matete 

Women’s rights advocates have raised concerns over what they describe as a worrying rise in verbal and gender-based attacks targeting women in leadership.

They warn that such conduct could discourage women from participating in politics.

Kenya Female Advisory Organisation executive director Easter Okech said there has been an increase in abusive and demeaning language directed at women politicians across different political parties.

She said the trend is a form of violence that must not be normalised. 

“It is verbal violence across political parties, and unfortunately, in some instances, it is being condoned by party leaders who sit and listen without taking action,” Okech said. 

She said as the country heads to the next general election, political engagement must not reinforce patriarchal systems that shame, embarrass or profile women as sexual objects.

Okech said the use of derogatory language and sexualised narratives against women leaders undermines their credibility and discourages their participation. 

She cited recent incidents in Kisumu, which she described as deeply saddening and unacceptable. Similar trends, she added, have been witnessed in parts of Central Kenya. 

Okech said political competition should not translate into personal attacks or sexual objectification of women. 

She urged political parties to promote respectful discourse during campaigns and internal engagements.

“As we look at women’s participation in politics, we must ensure the language used is empowering, not abusive. It must encourage participation and respect for all persons, regardless of gender or disability,” Okech said. 

She said parties should revisit their guiding principles as the election period approaches and commit to non-abusive and respectful engagement.

“We cannot have sexual objectification of women in politics. This is something we must address, not only as women voters but also as observers in the electoral process,” Okech said. 

She warned that continued ridicule and verbal abuse could instil fear among aspiring women leaders, effectively locking them out of meaningful participation in governance. 

Okech further pointed to provisions in the Political Parties Act that call for respect for all persons, saying parties must uphold these principles in word and action. 

“These must stop,” she said, urging political leaders to take responsibility and create safe, inclusive spaces for women in leadership.