‎Women aspiring for elective positions in Homa Bay County have raised concerns over gender-based violence, online slander and harmful cultural beliefs as they prepare for the August 2027 General Election.

‎Speaking during a training that brought together nearly 100 women aspirants, Homa Bay Woman Representative aspirant Hellen Atieno said violence against women in politics remains a major challenge, with women still perceived as the weaker gender. 

She also cited the misuse of digital technology to expose personal information and spread defamatory content aimed at discouraging women from seeking leadership positions.

‎Another aspirant, Phoebe Ayon, said cultural beliefs continue to disadvantage young women, with some being dismissed as unsuitable for leadership because they are unmarried.

“I am single, so, whenever I go out there to campaign, people ask about my marital status instead of looking at my political agenda and manifesto, they see me as someone without a husband,” she said.

At the same time, ‎High Court advocate Rachael Muthoka said efforts were underway to challenge harmful cultural practices and address gender-based violence to create a safer environment for women in politics.

‎”Not everything that is traditional is bad. Our communities were always protecting women and taking care of them, so we want to ensure that those positive traditions are what we put forward,” said Muthoka.