Kenya’s first female Attorney General (AG), Dorcas Oduor, during the launch of “Ignite Her 4 Africa” initiative in Nairobi, on September 17, 2024, emphasized the need for women to support each other and drive reforms in the criminal justice sector.
She highlighted the disproportionate suffering of women within the justice system and called for comprehensive reforms to alleviate this burden. “We are the ones who carry society,” she stated, underscoring the importance of these changes for the betterment of all.
At the same time, in the press release by “Ignite Her 4 Africa”, Kenya’s Attorney General Dorcas Oduor outlined several key reforms in the pipeline.
These include decriminalizing petty offenses, offering second chances to young offenders, and introducing alternatives to prosecution such as diversion programs. She also proposed open prisons, allowing inmates to work while serving their sentences, and a comprehensive review of the bail system.
Addressing the women at the event, AG Oduor emphasized the importance of unity and empowerment, stating, “You can’t do things alone and you cannot succeed alone. You must accept to be assisted where you have a gap because nobody has everything.”
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Ignite Her 4 Africa, LSK President
Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo echoed the call for urgent reforms in the criminal justice sector, highlighting the rise in femicides in sports, particularly athletics, due to a lack of awareness of women’s rights and legal protections. She stressed the need for continued efforts to support and uplift women across various sectors.
Australian High Commissioner to Kenya, Jenny Da Rin, noted the global rise of hardworking, confident, and ethical women supporting each other. Meanwhile, President’s Advisor on Women’s Rights, Hon. Harriette Chiggai, underscored the need to create safe spaces at home and work to combat societal hate, promoting her office’s ‘Safe Home, Safe Spaces’ campaign.
Ignite Her 4 Africa Pillars
The “Ignite Her 4 Africa” initiative is founded on four key pillars: Women Industry Circles of Influence – Africa, Celebrating Rising Women Leaders in Africa, Ignite Her for Africa, and Inspiring the Next Generation.
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These pillars aim to bring together accomplished women, honor outstanding African women leaders, offer training sessions, podcasts, and networking events, and bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement through mentorship programs for young girls and women.
Co-Founder Wangui Ngechu emphasized the initiative’s mission, stating, “Ignite Her 4 Africa provides a platform for women leaders to share their stories, offering a sisterhood where women can be authentic and vulnerable. It addresses the challenge of building a trustworthy and reliable network across African borders to serve as a sustainable support system for professional women.”
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