From: Tebiti Oisaboke

Njoki Karuoya

Dear Dr Shabaan, Welcome to the Ministry of Gender, Children Affairs and Social Development.

I’m not sure if you expected this but you must take on anyone who dares say that this is a demotion. I may not understand the qualifications of a ‘big’ or ‘small’ ministry, but if it is about money then I do believe the Gender Ministry is universally recognised and receives great financial support from the United Nations and other international donors.

I must admit, however, that I was a bit thrown when I heard you had been appointed Minister for Gender because, during your ‘No’ campaigns, you made it clear you were not lobbying for women gains in the Constitution but for the interests of the Taita people.
Interestingly, women make up a huge percentage in your constituency.

Is it true that you do not believe in gender equality? Is it true that you believe women can never be equal to men? Do you believe empowered women destroy homes?

I sure hope not, because you are one of few women in Kenya who has risen through the ranks of male-dominated fields — medicine and politics — and come out tops. As a result, millions of women and girls, especially from your constituency, consider you their role model and desire to emulate you.

Traditional roles

I don’t believe marriages are breaking up because of the agitation for gender equality (which many people misunderstand and misinterpret).
I do believe, however, that society has largely abdicated its traditional roles, where many men no longer carry out their responsibilities as heads of households in charge of families, while many women, the gelling glue of families, have stopped catering for the needs of their husbands for whatever reason. This partial or total disregard of traditional responsibilities is one of the causes for tension between spouses.

Men and women have broken barriers and engaged in roles that traditionally were not in their domain. This tupsy turvy arrangement comes with new mentalities… and new challenges. mwThese, waziri, will be your new daily cup of tea as you embark on your momentous task as the Gender minister.

If we are to save families — and I strongly believe you are genuinely concerned about the preservation of this critical societal unit — we must deal with the issues that are rocking and threatening families.

Bill of rights

Our men need jobs so they can fend for their families. The contributions of women need to be recognised and appreciated.

Women, too, must also be protected.

Children must be educated if they are to take this nation forward.
Then there is the Bill of Rights in the New Constitution that uplifts the status of women in Kenya. And there is a host of other goodies for women in the new law.

My earnest prayer is that, although you strongly campaigned against the Constitution, you at the very least believe in these gains for women and will, as the new Gender minister, strive to protect them so we can move forward as a nation.

After all, when a woman is empowered, a society develops. If Kenya is to become a first world country, we must protect the integrity and dignity of all men, women, boys and girls.

As your ministry officials and related stakeholders brief you on what needs to be done, I urge you to protect our men from self-destruction (illicit brews, crime and violence).

Protect women and children from physical abuse (spousal violence, rape, defilement, female genital mutilation) and social injustices (discrimination at the workplace, at home and in the public fora); and protect the elderly.

For now, I would like to congratulate you on your new responsibilities.
You have your work cut out for you. You are now on stage and all women in Kenya and the nation as a whole are watching you to see whether you will play by the script of the new Constitution on gender.
We await your judicious guidance.

Yours truly

Tebiti Oisaboke