Gender-blind policies to widen inequalities

Kenya could roll back gains made in reducing gender inequalities if gender-blind policies are enforced post-Covid-19 pandemic, public policy and global trade experts say.

Public policy expert James Atema argued that Kenya would retrogress in gender equality if women’s voices are disregarded in new policies.

“New policies will be generated (based on Covid-19 experiences),” he said during a June 19 webinar where business management experts shared tips on survival of female-led enterprises beyond the pandemic.

“These policies must include issues that affect women. Policy is everything as it directs resources and women should from this moment engage in this discourse,” he said.

During the Business Resilience and Strategic Leadership for Women Leaders organised by Usawa Inc, Mr Atema said employment and work arrangement policies will inevitably change as companies seek to adapt to new normal.

This, he added, would disproportionately affect female employees should the management exclude their voices.

“Women will be affected more if companies adapt the new normal of working from home,” he noted. “Crèches will be no more. This is like taking back the years women fought to have companies set them up.”

FEMALE-LED ENTERPRISES

He urged for studies to understand the dynamics of Covid-19’s impact on socio-economic status of men and women in order to make gender responsive policies.

Customs and global trade expert Victor Kimanga, noted the rapid change in local and international policies, directly affecting female-led enterprises.

He said women can advocate for gender responsive trade laws by highlighting gaps in existing legislation.

“A female entrepreneur ought to look for gaps in her value chain and opportunities therein,” he said.

Head of Strategy and Innovation at NCBA Bank Mary Mbataru said the pandemic is a wake-up call for women to integrate innovation in management of their businesses.

She said inflexibilities would put them out of business beyond the Covid-19 times.

“Covid-19 has brought forth massive opportunities for businesses,” she said.

“We must respond, act and recover and that is a whole transformational journey we must take. We must adapt to changes.”

She added: “For instance, a female entrepreneur should be strategising on how to market her products on virtual platforms where people are currently spending more time online can access them.”