League of Women Voters® of Greater Tucson

Kenya Women and Global Democracy

"Kenyans Working Together for Good Governance: Civil Society, Government and Members of Parliament."

The League of Women Voters of the United States and the U.S. State Department sponsored this Program in 2006 and 2007.

In 2006 and 2007, the U. S. State Department funded the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) Global Democracy Program for a project called "Kenyans Working Together for Good Governance." In collaboration with the National Council of Women in Kenya two local Leagues were selected to host seventeen Kenyan women and then to send a representative from each League to visit these women in their home towns in Kenya as a follow-up. Kenyan women were to learn about developing good governance and good citizenship. They observed governmental and community organizations in action at the local level. Tucson and Wichita were selected as the two host Leagues.

During this two year period, we have gotten to know these women and the difficulties they face in their country, of poverty and gender discrimination which blocks their path in working for better governance at the national and local level.

The most recent Kenya elections held Dec. 27, 2007 and their violent aftermath have clearly
illustrated the larger corruption and tribal issues that plague the nation, but also the extraordinary efforts of women to run for office this time and the tremendous barriers to their success. Our own struggle for the vote at the turn of the 20th century gives us a common bond. Recent studies have shown that women educated and participating really make a difference in development and governance. Now is precisely the time in Kenya when we should be supporting Kenyan women. LWVGT members are continuing our contact with the Kenyan women to provide them with encouragement, money and moral support.

In March of 2008, the board of the League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson voted to continue formal contact with the women and to fund selected specific programs to the extent we could raise the funds.

Coming Soon:

• See how LWVGT Members have helped with special projects.
• Learn more about helping our Kenya friends.
• Read more about our Kenya connection.
• Read comments from our Kenya friends in their own words.