Equality a promise and not reality, say leaders

The fight for women’s equality is far from over, speakers said during a public dialogue to mark International Women’s Day 2026.

Even with constitutional guarantees, women still face invisible barriers that prevent them from fully participating in public life.

At the current pace, experts say it will take 286 years to close legal gaps and 140 years to achieve equal representation in workplaces.

High Commissioner Jenny Da Rin shared her country’s journey. In Australia, women now occupy the highest offices, from Prime Minister to Governor-General.

“When women lead, laws become fairer, policies more inclusive and voices once ignored are finally heard,” she said.

Yet she warned that these gains are fragile.

Justice (Rtd) Nancy Baraza described a reality many women in Kenya know too well: “We may have equality on paper, but in our daily lives, discrimination hides in plain sight.”

She pointed to cases where women leave property disputes empty-handed despite laws meant to protect them.

Baraza and other speakers emphasised that men must also be part of the solution. “We wouldn’t have passed the constitution without men championing it,” she said. True equality requires partnership, not just laws.

Senator Gloria Orwoba highlighted the numbers problem in Parliament. With too few women in positions of power, legislation for women’s rights stalls.

“Nothing affecting women will pass unless it suits men,” she said, describing a harsh reality for female leaders fighting for change.

Prof Nura Mohamed of the Kenya School of Government urged institutional reforms.

“We need systems that deliberately create space for women to lead. Without that, equality remains a promise, not a reality,” she said.

Participants also raised concerns about the safety of women in politics, both online and in public spaces, as elections approach.

The dialogue made one thing clear: Achieving gender equality is not just about laws but about creating a society where women are seen, heard and empowered to fully participate in every sphere of life.