Support to the implementation of UN Women's country strategy for Kenya

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

Finland supports gender equality in Kenya by means of supporting the implementation of UN Women's country strategy for Kenya that contributes to the equality and well-being of the Kenyan society. Finland's support is aimed at following result areas: Women lead and participate in governance; and National and devolved planning fully reflect the accountability for gender equality commitments and priorities. The support is especially concentrated on following themes: 1) Women's political participation and elections; 2)Devolution; 3)Public financial management and gender responsive budgeting; 4)Engendering legistlature. UN Women’s country strategy is implemented through targeted, strategic partnerships with government and non-state actors. Finland has supporter the gender equality in Kenya in cooperation with UNIFEM/UN Women since 2009. Finland’s support for 2016 to 2019 amounts to 4 000 000 euros. Previous cooperation has influences e.g. the new Constitution of Kenya that includes gender aspects and also other legislation has been developed. The capacity of UN Women country office in Kenya has improved during 2015, and UNWomen has been a strategic actor e.g. in new legislation. During past elections UNWomen was actively enhancing women participation to the whole election process. After elections UNWomen supported revising of the government machinery responsible for gender equality and it has good connections to all national key actors in gender equality. UNWomen has also influenced the Kenya’s Medium Term Plan II (2013-2017) which now includes gender equality targets and gender sensitive indicators.