The representation of women in leadership positions in local government is on a steady decline, with the threat of violence and intimidation discouraging them from assuming political office.
This is according to a report titled "Gains Made, Gains Lost", produced by the Commission for Gender Equality to examine the representation of women in councils. The report, released recently, revealed that between 2016 and 2021, women's representation in local government declined by 4%.
It found that a variety of factors, including violence, threats, intimidation, and shaming, are discouraging women from vying for political office.
Commission officials added that even more alarming is the finding that women do not seem to trust other women in leadership positions. Among the reasons for this is that the political space in the country is often violent and filled with intimidation.
Contested local ward councillor positions frequently lead to deadly outcomes, causing women candidates to avoid such contests by not putting their names forward for nominations.
