Chief Justice Koome Applauds Launch of Echo Network Africa Foundation
Chief Justice Martha Koome has hailed the launch of Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF) as a transformative step toward gender equality, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to empowering women and girls across Africa.
Speaking at the launch event, Justice Koome described ENAF as a beacon of hope for millions, declaring, “It is an absolute honour to stand with you today for the launch of Echo Network Africa Foundation.”
For over four decades, Echo Network Africa has played a pivotal role in shaping the future for women breaking barriers, amplifying their voices, and fostering an environment where they not only exist but thrive and lead.
Justice Koome lauded ENAF’s relentless dedication, stating, “Your unwavering commitment to building a truly inclusive world, where women claim their rightful place in every sphere of life, deserves nothing less than celebration and applause.”
The establishment of ENAF marks a critical milestone in the journey toward a more equitable society. Justice Koome emphasized that the foundation is not only a celebration of progress but a call to action, ensuring that women have the tools and support necessary to fully participate in all aspects of life.
“This launch is a commitment to ensuring that women are equipped to take their rightful place in leadership, business, and decision-making spaces,” she affirmed.
Across Africa, women and girls continue to face profound challenges, with nearly 45 Percent of women in Sub-Saharan Africa experiencing gender-based violence.
Justice Koome underscored the urgency of addressing such injustices, stating, “This is not just a statistic it’s a call to action.”
She highlighted ENAF’s role as a driving force in eliminating these barriers, ensuring that women are not just seen but heard and empowered.
The Chief Justice recognized the crucial contributions of women in shaping Kenya’s development across sectors, including governance, education, science, and healthcare.
Despite historical and systemic challenges, she acknowledged the resilience and leadership demonstrated by women in propelling social and economic progress.
“Women have continuously defied odds to drive positive change. It is time we fully recognize and invest in their potential,” she remarked.
Kenya has witnessed significant strides in women’s leadership, with increasing representation in public and corporate sectors. The 2022 elections saw a rise in female governors from three to seven, while women now hold key positions, including Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, and Attorney General.
Justice Koome described these achievements as groundbreaking but cautioned that more work remains. “While these milestones deserve celebration, progress has been painfully slow and, in some cases, symbolic rather than substantive,” she observed.
She urged for systemic change, stressing that true empowerment goes beyond token representation. “Tearing down deep-rooted inequalities is the only way to achieve lasting gender equity. We must safeguard the hard-won gains and remain relentless in protecting women from all forms of violence, including the growing threat of technology-facilitated abuse,” she warned.
As ENAF embarks on its mission, Justice Koome emphasized its pivotal role in ensuring that African women rise as empowered changemakers.
“This is not just about women it’s about building stronger, more just, and more prosperous communities for all,” she stated.
She called on stakeholders to rally behind the foundation, recognizing that when women succeed, societies flourish.In closing, Justice Koome reminded the audience that gender equality is a shared responsibility.
“The future of women and girls in Kenya and across Africa is not just their fight it is our collective duty. Together, we must create an environment where women lead boldly and participate fully. When women thrive, nations flourish,” she said.
