Badili Africa, a civil society organization, has premiered its documentary, The King Makers: Unseen Faces, Unheard Voices, which aims to spotlight the often-overlooked contributions of grassroots women leaders in the political arena.
The screening took place at Westgate Cinema, drawing significant attention from various stakeholders.
The documentary seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by women political mobilizers while advocating for a more inclusive and secure civic space.
“Politically active women in Kenya, particularly grassroots organizers, frequently encounter violence and harassment, creating substantial barriers to their full participation in politics,” said Bina Maseno, Founder of Badili Africa.
She emphasized that existing research often overlooks the critical role women mobilizers play as key influencers during election campaigns.
Despite their vital contributions to mobilizing support for candidates, women political mobilizers are often marginalized in decision-making processes.
The event attracted notable figures, including Hon. Millie Mabona, MP for Suba North, and Hon. Njeri Maina, the Women Representative for Kerugoya, among others.
Hon. Mabona commented on the challenges women face, stating, “This documentary seeks to break the silence surrounding the harrowing experiences of women candidates and grassroots mobilizers.”
She praised the film for giving voice to the specific issues affecting these women.
Badili Africa highlighted that grassroots women leaders in local organizations like chamas and nyumba kumi networks have significant potential to influence Kenya’s political future.
However, their contributions are frequently unacknowledged.
The film illustrates their role in shaping electoral outcomes and enhancing Kenya’s democracy.
The King Makers documents various forms of violence against women political mobilizers during elections and reveals gaps in current protection mechanisms.
It proposes actionable solutions to prevent violence against politically active women, particularly in marginalized communities, ahead of the 2027 elections.
The documentary serves as a tool for civic and political education, inspiring more women to engage in politics and transition from being brokers of political power to seeking office themselves.
It will be screened at various women’s leadership meetings across the country, accompanied by recommendations for a comprehensive approach to electoral security and observation.
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