Women should fight harder to get positions

Grace Onyango was Kenya’s first woman mayor and the first  to be elected to Parliament in 1969. PHOTO| FILE

What you need to know:

  • My agenda was not about women alone.

  • I was elected by both sexes and I represented all fairly.

Q: Tell us about yourself

A: I am a Luo from Gem (Siaya County). I started working as a teacher but gradually steered my career towards politics. I was the principal of a teachers’ training college for women for 12 years. I later got married to Onyango Baridi, a teacher-cum-journalist.

 When did you join politics?

I was elected to the Kisumu Municipal Council in 1964 at a time when there were few female politicians in Kenya. I ran for the position of mayor in which I served for four terms then wrestled down 10 male opponents to become Kisumu Town MP in 1969 for 15 years.

You have to note something, in all the positions I was never nominated but was elected. I was a very tough woman.

At what age did you join politics?

I was 37 years.

For how long were you in politics?

I joined in 1964 and left in 1983.

How did you represent the women when you were in power?

My agenda was not about women alone. I was elected by both sexes and I represented all fairly.

What motivated you to join politics?

The people around me; they wanted change. I had to play my cards well and to be smart and that’s how I got re-elected for 19 years consecutively.

What do you do now ?

I sit in several boards in the county. I am a board member at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital; it was started while I was in power. I am a board member in most of the schools. I was and I am still the chair of Kicomi Company and I also sit in the Luo Council of Elders. I have never enjoyed the luxury of retirement.

What is your take about the two-thirds gender debate?

This fight has to continue. Women have fought very hard. They should now fight harder for their voices to be heard. It’s never late, we shall win. We have very bright women in power.

How do you rate politics now and during your days?

Then, I was the only woman surrounded by men so they did not feel so much threatened. No one was fighting me, but now it is very disappointing that men see women as their enemies simply because they are afraid of the bright brains that will challenge them.

How women are being treated tells that there is no respect for our Constitution.

Why were you called the iron lady?

As a politician, I proved to the ‘government of men’ that women could do as well if given the chance ... which I think I did hence the name.

Tell us about your family

I have six children, all grown-ups and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

How old are you?

I am 70 years old.

What keeps you strong at your age?

The type of food I eat. I rarely do eat red meat. I am a woman of traditional vegetables; you will never miss that in my house. No alcohol. I also take a lot of water and fruits.

What do you do in your free time?

I read the Bible; this keeps me going.

What plans for the future?

I do not have more plans for the future, I am busy with my God but it is my prayer that as politics takes different dimensions, women will be given the chance to lead the country in top positions.

What gives you the greatest fulfillment?

Championing women’s rights and seeing them succeed in what they do. Offering help to needy widows and orphans.