Empowerment of Women in the Process of Democratization. Experiences of Kenya. Uganda and Tanzania

Abstract

This Conference is part of the Friedrich Eben Stiftung commitment to women's issues. For several years the PES has been emphasising efforts to improve the status of women. Our women's programmes include all measures which improve the socio-economic status of women, free them from discrimination, enhance their political participation and respect their rights. New opportunities for women are a consequence of democratic changes taking place in many parts of the world. Gender equity must be seen not only as the goal of politics, but as its basic. Women in politics are a real challenge which can generate new perspectives; in general, women have a different perception, they have a different understanding of the concept of power. Women see "power" in a much broader sense - encompassing not only politics but also the nature of relations in other social and economic entities such as communities and families. This female conception of power can restructure society and influence the style and nature of democratic government. Because of their own experiences of discrimination, women are more sensitive to disadvantage and oppression.