Clinton nomination is a milestone for women

I was overcome by feelings of envy, empathy and hope as I attended the Democratic National Convention in the US, where Hillary Clinton was formally nominated as the party’s presidential candidate in the November elections.

Her nomination was a poignant moment for me and a significant milestone for women, who have suffered prejudices for years in their attempt to rise up and push the boundaries in the corporate world and politics.

Besides being invited to the convention, I had followed Mrs Clinton’s campaign for months and it was only appropriate that I witnessed her make history, in a ceremony in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania State, last week.

It was a long time coming. Women have remained on the periphery of politics for years. First not being allowed to vote, later challenged by cultural biases, and more recently, intimidated by attempts to bend the rules of merit.

It is easy to be pessimistic at how long it has taken for a woman to have a realistic chance at the White House in the US, a country that has been independent since 1776.

Yet, there is no denying that Ms Clinton’s gender milestone is a turning point. Her winning the nomination alone is a noteworthy achievement.

And so she now begins a campaign against her Republican opponent, Mr Donald Trump, a billionaire who does not hide his hate for women.

His campaign has been based on insults, sometimes describing women as pigs and dogs and even linking menstruation to tough questioning of him by a journalist.

KENYAN POLITICIANS

Mr Trump’s campaign is somewhat comparable to that of some Kenyan politicians, who have reduced electioneering to matters of genitalia, gender and obscenities. Women seeking positions in corporate boards and politics continue to face some of the most backward and personal attacks, despite the law outlawing such discrimination.

These nasty attacks on women are based on looks, dressing, marriage and at times ethnicity. The chauvinists behind this agenda use culture to justify this hate. My opponents have even put to a referendum my marriage, as a yardstick on whether I should be elected.

The misogyny has been amplified by the competition to offer better service to our people in the counties, where most of the resources are now going to.

While it is ghastly disgusting, this patriarchy-based campaign is threatening gains made by women in this country. It is an abuse of our daughters, sisters and mothers, and a mockery of our intelligence.

What is the point of sending our daughters and sisters to school, only to undercut their progress based on their sexuality, ethnicity, age, marriage and other mundane characteristics?

As women, we must stand up against these issues and support one another. Men, too, must stand up against this retrogressive and utterly petty agenda.

Because, in spite of these assaults, it is known across many cultures that in educating girls, you empower generations. It has been proven than girls and women empowerment helps to reverse poverty and promote development. We must seek to restore respect among ourselves, the tough competition notwithstanding.

As we head to our own elections next year, I hope we banish this mistreatment and hate of our female gender.

Mrs Clinton’s nomination is inspiring and encouraging to women. Obviously, if she wins, it will not be the end of the US – and perhaps some global – problems. America continues to struggle with gender equality, with women not getting the same pay as men in the same positions – in some cases.

At the end of her speech, in which she warned that “powerful forces are threatening to pull us apart”, it was not too difficult to get to my feet to support her.

I am with her and I am with all the women seeking a better tomorrow.

Dr Joyce Laboso is the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Member of Parliament for Sotik; @chebasenda.