BY NURU SALIM
An hospitality industry leader and gender rights advocate has called on female Members of the National Assembly to take a firm stand against sexism, harassment, and objectification in public and parliamentary spaces, warning that silence or tolerance of such behavior undermines the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the country.
In an open letter addressed to all female legislators, Pauline Nduva, a corporate executive in the hospitality sector and long-time advocate against SGBV in the workplace, expressed “deep disappointment” over what she described as an alarming trend of objectification directed at female MPs during public events and political gatherings sometimes by male colleagues and, in certain instances, through the passive participation of women parliamentarians themselves.
“It is not acceptable. It is not empowering. And it is certainly not what the women and girls of this country deserve to see from those entrusted to represent them at the highest level,” Nduva stated through the open letter.
She cited instances where inappropriate remarks, suggestive behavior, and even disturbing physical gestures were either tolerated or dismissed in public settings, saying such conduct sends a dangerous signal to society that harassment is normal, even within the country’s highest offices.
Nduva linked the normalization of such attitudes to the broader crisis of violence against women, noting Kenya is currently grappling with a sharp rise in femicide cases, with many victims attacked by people close to them.
“In this context, any tolerance of sexism, harassment, or objectification no matter how subtle or seemingly harmless sends a dangerous message,” she warned, adding that the message trickles down to workplaces and communities where gender-based violence is already entrenched.
Drawing from her experience in the hospitality sector, Nduva highlighted how power dynamics and silence often keep women trapped in cycles of abuse, stressing that political leaders must set a higher standard.
She also urged female MPs to champion the ratification of the International Labour Organization’s Convention 190 (C190), which recognizes and seeks to address violence and harassment in the world of work.
“How can we credibly advocate for such a treaty when those championing it are seen laughing off, tolerating, or enabling the very behaviors it seeks to eliminate?” she questioned.
Nduva the letter, reminded legislators that beyond their legislative responsibilities, they hold “symbolic power” to shape social attitudes toward women and girls through the way they carry themselves in public forums.
She acknowledged that some female MPs have previously spoken out against the weaponization of sex to intimidate women leaders, but cautioned that the cause risks being undermined if the normalization of sexism is allowed to take root in institutions meant to uphold justice and equality.
“The time to rise with dignity and assertiveness is now. Our daughters, our sisters, our colleagues and yes, our future as a nation are watching,” she said.
