Kenya Women Leaders have defended Governor Susan Kihika’s maternity leave, calling on those criticizing her to be humane.
In a strong-worded press release, the Kenya Women leaders have maintained that there is need to strengthen the participation of women in leadership through capacity development, partnership building and strategic community engagement.
They addressed press under the Kenya Women Parliamentarians(KEWOPA).
The leaders stated that they stand with Governor Kihika, terming her a dedicated public servant and a mother who has welcomed twins into the world.
“As Women leaders of Kenya, we stand here today in solidarity with Governor Susan Kihika, a dedicated public servant and a mother who has recently welcomed twins into the world. We congratulate her on the birth of her children. They are a blessing from GOD and we give thanks,” they stated.
They used the presser to reaffirm their unwavering support for Governor Kihika and addressed public concerns that have been raised regarding her prolonged absence from office due to medical complications following childbirth.
The leaders reminded the public that childbirth is a natural, unique and deeply personal process.
“As women leaders, we recognize the unique challenges that come with balancing public service and family responsibilities. The journey to motherhood is one that brings immense joy but can also come with unforeseen medical complications, requiring time for recovery and healing. Many women have gone through this and Governor Kihika is no different,” they stated.
They added that as a mother, Governor Kihika has had to prioritize her health and that of her children.
“We commend her for making the responsible choice to focus on recovery while ensuring that the operations of Nakuru County continue under the able leadership of her Deputy Governor and the County Executive team,” the leaders stated.
They appealed to people of Nakuru and the nation at large to exercise patience, empathy, and understanding.
According to them, women in leadership are not exempt from the realities of motherhood besides being Governors, Senators, and public officials as they are also mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunties.
“The expectation that women leaders should sacrifice their well-being and that of their children and families to meet unrealistic demands is unfair and unjust. It is high time that our society embraces a more inclusive and humane approach to leadership—one that acknowledges the biological and social realities of women,”
The leaders also called institutions at all levels to support women in leadership by fostering environments that accommodate their needs as both professionals and caregivers.
They stated that the advancement of gender equality in leadership must go hand in hand with policies that uphold the dignity and well-being of women.
During the presser, the women leaders demanded:
i. An end to the gendered attacks on Governor Susan Kihika and other women leaders.
ii. Respect for the rights of women leaders to take legally recognized maternity leave without facing political bullying.
iii. fair political environment where leadership is judged by performance and integrity—not gender or motherhood
