Women remain underrepresented in political spaces, yet they are the ones who shape politics most deeply at the grassroots. They organize communities, mobilize voters, sustain party structures, and carry the daily realities of governance long before policy reaches Parliament or County Assemblies. Still, when decisions are made, women are often absent from the table.
The Inaugural UGM National Women League Convention brought together inspiring women leaders from 27 counties, from Wajir to Kwale, Busia to Machakos. Each participant has dared to step into politics and continues to drive change in her community, often against heavy resistance.
As we look toward the 2027 General Elections, UGM is intentional about strengthening women’s influence, visibility, and leadership. Representation matters. For more women to win and thrive in leadership, political spaces must be safe, fair, and anchored in systems that protect dignity, opportunity, and accountability.
During the convention, women leaders engaged directly with key party documents, the party constitution, manifesto, and nomination rules. They interrogated how these instruments shape access to leadership, fairness in nominations, and internal democracy. The goal was structural change. Political parties must set the pace by building gender-responsive policy and governance frameworks that translate into real power for women.
More importantly, the women shared their lived political truths. Stories of being overlooked, sidelined, or misled within party processes. Of working tirelessly for political parties and candidates only to be denied nomination opportunities. Of the quiet discrimination faced simply for being a woman, a widow, or a single mother. These realities shape who governs and whose interests are protected.
With these challenges came stories of courage, resilience, and an unshaken will to keep pushing.
Our Co-Party Leader and Presidential Flag Bearer, Hon. David Maraga, graced the convention as Guest of Honour, joined by Co-Party Leader Hon. Neto Agostinho, National Co-Women Leader Hon. Catherine Dzame and Co-Secretary General Katto Wambua. Together, they reaffirmed a shared commitment to inclusive leadership grounded in integrity, strong institutions, and accountable governance.
As Greens, we believe women must not only participate in politics, they must shape it. Sustainability in political parties begins with structures that reflect equity in our laws, policies, and internal systems. This convention marks a bold step toward embedding women’s leadership into the DNA of the UGM Party’s growth and future.
A democratic nation cannot rise on exclusion. The future must be built with women at the center of power, policy, and decision-making.
We love to see women lead. Let’s go!!