Dr. Julius Malombe has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing gender equality and social development following the launch of the Evidence to Policy for Kenya Care Economy Project in Kitui today.
The groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by UN Women in partnership with Anglican Development Services Eastern (ADSE), seeks to tackle the unequal burden of unpaid care work on women and girls. Targeting Kauwi, Mutomo, and Athi wards, the project will advocate for gender-responsive care policies and services, ensuring that women’s domestic labor is recognized, valued, and supported.
The launch, which took place at a Kitui hotel, drew key stakeholders in gender and development, including policymakers, civil society groups, and community leaders. Governor Malombe lauded the project’s potential to drive policy reforms and foster equitable care solutions, emphasizing that Kitui County is ready to lead the way in implementing the National Care Policy.
“Women and girls bear the brunt of unpaid care work, limiting their opportunities for education, employment, and economic empowerment. This initiative is a crucial step toward achieving gender justice and sustainable development in Kitui,” Malombe stated.
Earlier in the day, UN Women and ADSE teams paid a courtesy call to the governor’s office, where he pledged full support from his administration. He highlighted ongoing efforts by the county government to integrate care economy principles into local policies, ensuring that women’s contributions to household and community well-being are acknowledged and supported.
As the second project of its kind in Kenya and Africa, this initiative is set to spark critical conversations around the care economy, drive stakeholder engagement, and inspire policy commitments at both the county and national levels.
With Kitui taking the lead, the project is poised to be a game-changer in the fight for gender equity, offering a blueprint for other counties looking to address the structural inequalities affecting women’s participation in economic and social development.
