Women Leaders Rally Behind SAFINA, Call for Inclusive Politics
By Mary Ndanu
Women leaders drawn from 17 constituencies have reaffirmed their commitment to championing inclusive leadership and addressing socio-economic challenges facing families, while rallying behind the SAFINA party as a platform for political empowerment.
Speaking during a women’s gathering in Nairobi, the National Women Coordinator Florence Atieno said that women remain to be the backbone of families and the heartbeat of society but continue to shoulder the heaviest burden of the nation’s economic difficulties.
“Women are the ones holding families together, yet we face unaffordable healthcare, high food prices, insecurity, lack of jobs for our youth and the struggle to provide for our households because of mismanagement of resources,” she said. “Despite these challenges, we have remained strong and resilient.”
She also explained that the decision to join SAFINA was informed by the party’s recognition of the plight of women, the aspirations of the youth and the power of Gen Z in shaping the country’s future.
“As National Women Coordinator, I happily ask you to join me in SAFINA, not just for me but for yourself, your children and Kenya’s future,” she added.
The Coordinator thanked Hon. Jimmy Wanjigi and the SAFINA leadership for believing in women and youth and urged women to actively claim their place in national leadership.
“Together we can build a movement where women are respected, heard and given their rightpful place in decision-making. You are not just participants in politics – you are the security of this nation. Together we are unstoppable,” she said, drawing loud applause from the audience.
The delagated representatives of different constituencies at the event also highlighted pressing concerns on healthcare, lamenting that many families suffer when they are forced to seek treatment in public hospitals without access to essential medicines.
“These women are the ones who wake up at night to rush children to hospitals, only to find that drugs are unavailable. We lose our loved ones because of lack of medicine. Will we continue like this?” said a delegate
The representatives further decried economic hardship, saying small businesses had collapsed under the weight of high living costs and poor governance. They pledged to rally support for policies that ease the burden on families.
“Business is down, life is hard, and mothers are crying. We need leadership that can restore dignity to families,”said one of the representatives
The forum also tackled issues of insecurity and police harassment, with several women accusing law enforcement of brutality and unfair arrests.
“Here in Kenya, we have been tested by the police. They arrest and harass us. We want security that protects, not one that oppresses,” another representative said
Despite the challenges outlined, the tone of the meeting was largely optimistic, with repeated chants of “SAFINA UBORA KWA WAKENYA WOTE….SAFINA, SAFI NA PESA” echoing throughout.
The women representatives also introduced grassroots coordinators from constituencies including Embakasi Central, Kasarani, Ruaraka, Embakasi East, Makadara, Kibra, Dagoretti North, Lang’ata, Starehe, Kamukunji, Westlands and Mathare. They pledged to mobilise women across Nairobi to strengthen the party’s influence ahead of upcoming political activities.
“Our politics is not about tribalism. We are all from Kenya. Nairobi is the home of women, the home of hustlers and the home of businesses. If Nairobi thrives, Kenya thrives,” one representive emphasised.
Hon. Jimmy Wanjigi, who was also present, hailed the women for their resilience and assured them of the party’s commitment to prioritising their voices in policy formulation.
“This movement belongs to the people, and women are central to it. We cannot speak of transforming Kenya without placing women at the centre,” he said.
Wanjigi also underscored SAFINA’s vision of uniting Kenyans beyond ethnic boundaries, noting that Nairobi’s diversity reflects the entire nation.
“Nairobi is the heart of Kenya, and its women are the foundation. SAFINA will continue to stand with you and build a future where dignity, fairness and opportunity are guaranteed,” he stated.
The women leaders concluded by pledging loyalty to the party and reaffirming their unity of purpose.
“Together with SAFINA, we will ensure that women are not sidelined but empowered to lead. We are not just supporters we are decision-makers, and we will deliver change for Kenya,” madam Florence declared
