CPST, McGill University Celebrate Women Leaders Driving Gender-Responsive Governance

 

 The Parliament of Kenya today marked a major milestone in its pursuit of gender equality and inclusive governance as the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST), in partnership with McGill University, celebrated the graduation of ten women legislators from an intensive leadership and gender mainstreaming programme.

The graduates, drawn from both the Senate and the National Assembly, completed the Parliamentary Practices: Mainstreaming Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Programme, an eleven-week virtual course delivered between May and August 2025.

Among the distinguished cohort was Hon. Beatrice Elachi, the Dagoretti North MP, whose warm, people-centered leadership approach has earned her admiration across the political spectrum. Her contribution to the programme was lauded for bringing a grounded, community-oriented perspective to discussions on gender-responsive legislating.

The event was presided over by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Gladys Boss, who delivered a message on behalf of the Speaker. She praised the initiative as an “incubator of equitable and progressive governance,” noting that empowering women leaders is crucial for shaping policy frameworks that reflect the needs of all Kenyans.

Drawing from her own experiences in politics, the Deputy Speaker emphasized the need to dismantle structural barriers that continue to hinder women’s participation in leadership. “When women legislate, they legislate for society,” she remarked, calling for gender mainstreaming across all sectors as a prerequisite for national development.

The CPST–McGill partnership, established in 2016, has grown into a leading platform for strengthening parliamentary professionalism through flagship programmes such as Contemporary Issues in Parliamentary Governance and now the GEWE initiative.

Speaking during the ceremony, Hon. Rachael Ameso Amollo, Chairperson of the CPST Board, commended the graduates for their resilience and commitment. She noted that many participants balanced demanding legislative duties and family responsibilities while fully immersing themselves in the programme.

Hon. Ameso reiterated the Parliamentary Service Commission’s commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and modern parliamentary environment. She highlighted the increasing need to integrate Artificial Intelligence into CPST offerings to enhance data-driven governance and evidence-based decision-making.

“AI presents enormous opportunities, and investing in tailored training is essential for strengthening parliamentary effectiveness,” she said.

She reminded the graduates that the programme represents more than academic achievement—it is a call to action. She urged them to translate their learning into legislative reforms that advance gender equality and catalyze progressive change nationwide.

2025 GEWE Programme Graduates

• Sen Joyce Korir

• Hon Beatrice Elachi

• Hon Martha Wangari

• Sen Veronica Maina

• Sen Tabitha Mutinda

• Sen Agnes Muthama

• Sen Hamida Kibwana

• Hon (CS) Irene Mayaka

• Hon Sabina Chege

• Sen Esther Okenyuri

The graduation marks another significant step in strengthening gender-responsive governance in Kenya. Hon. Beatrice Elachi’s participation stands out as a testament to her gentle leadership style and unwavering commitment to serving communities—a continued source of inspiration for women across the country.