Kenyan women from various NGOs addressed the mediation team who are at the forefront of looking for solutions to the democratic crisis and violence sweeping through this East African nation. Ironically, these calls for peaceable solutions have also placed them in vulnerable positions, making them targets of more violence. Some have received death threats even for speaking out against the current escalation of violence in the cities and rural areas of Kenya.
Below are excerpts from the statement made by 11 Kenyan women's organisations:

On gender dimensions of the conflict

Institutionalised discrimination against women even before the current violence broke out has informed the expression on gender-based violence. Discriminatory laws sanction marginalisation and exclusion of women. Despite a 2006 presidential decree for a 30% inclusion of women in public institutions, there is no constitutional provision or law providing for affirmative action.

 

Rapes and sexual violence against women and children has reportedly increased. Statistics from the Nairobi Women’s Hospital show a steep increase in admission and treatment for rape. Majority of the new cases since January 2008 are victims of gang rapes.

Humanitarian Relief Aid

The majority of displaced peoples are women and children. Yet humanitarian telief kits often fail to take into account of the needs of women and children. There exists a gap in the provision of Sanitary towels, infant mix and Mosquito nets. Sanitation and hygiene requirements of women in the camps are in dire need of attention.

Security in the camps and troubled areas are insufficient. Resulting in heightened threats against women.

 

On Health Services

People living with HIV/AIDS have had their treatment interrupted. The provision of health services has been greatly compromised. The Access to PEP’s and immediate medical care for rape victims’ non-existent. The closure of certain areas by security personnel has resulted in numerous people's ability to access health facilities.

Recommendations on the resolving the Crisis

Immediate:A political solution backed by force of law that assures the following:

- An immediate end to the killings.

- A public acknowledgment by both parties that the current crisis was triggered by electoral malpractices in the tallying process that culminated with the announcement of results of the presidential election of December 2007.

- An acknowledgment that Kenyans are entitled to know the truth and to seek justice over the issue having participated in the electoral process. The problem (and solution to it) is beyond the two political protagonists. Women as a group constitute 52% of Kenya’s population and the majority of voters and those most affected by the current crisis.

- An independent investigation into the trigger event to establish the truth of what happened: the outcome of which should be tailored to establishing a political solution to the current impasse and restoring public confidence in Kenya’s institutions of democracy. Any agreement should be backed by force of law and ensure women’s participation as key actors.

- Immediate reinstatement of constitutional freedoms – the right to assemble, right to worship, right of media to broadcast live events. Citizens have a right to assert their constitutional rights without hindrance.

Cessation of violence against civilians by the police, militia and others.

- Immediate cessation of hate propaganda currently on all media (by Legislation or administrative action).

- Resettlement: should take account of the special needs of women and children displaced by the violence. State should provide security for the civilian population.

- End to impunity for violations of human rights (by all parties) by investigating crimes that are being committed and prosecuting perpetrators.

- Strengthening of institutions that support democratic constitutional governance (The Electoral Commission, the Judiciary, the Anti Corruption agencies and Parliament). This can be done through immediate legislative reform pending comprehensive constitutional reform.

Medium and long term –Nation Building

Women acknowledge that they must embark on a process of Nation building for sustainable peace to be achieved. Important mid-term solutions include the following: The times call for Women of Kenya call for transformative leadership at this time that brings values and ethics to the management of public affairs

- A minimum constitutional settlement and reform that would ensure an urgent reform of institutions that support a constitutional democracy grounded on sound legal framework followed by ;

- Comprehensive Constitutional Reform that would ensure equitable distribution of national resources, gender equality, affirmative action, equal rights for minorities and persons with disabilities including rights political participation. .

- Transitional Justice mechanisms that deal with the question of historical injustices that include gross human rights violations, massacre, assassinations, economic crimes and corruption , ethnic and political clashes .establishment a historical record, confronting and gaining truth about past injustices, creating accountability for human rights violations and ultimately reconciling Kenyan communities.

- Finalisation and adoption of the Peace and Conflict Prevention Policy.

- Peace education for prejudice reduction in primary schools.

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This statement was presented by and signed by the Committee Nominated by the Women’s Organisations 25th January 2008

The mediation team that was organised to facilitate talks between the ruling party and the elected government is composed of former United Nations Secretary General Koffi Annan, former South Africa First Lady Graca Machel and former Tanzania President Benjamin Mkapa.