In many communities, entrenched patriarchal norms and cultural traditions have long dictated and restricted women’s rights, particularly regarding land and property ownership. Customary laws often prioritize male heirs, limiting women’s economic independence and reinforcing power imbalances that make them more vulnerable to violence, including femicide and other forms of gender-based violence.
Today, women face immense challenges, from brutal attacks and psychological imprisonment imposed by societal expectations to economic entrapment in poverty and workplace exploitation. In the Nyokal community, patriarchal norms have historically denied women the opportunity to build or inherit homes independently, barred them from leadership roles in the absence of male partners, and exacerbated their marginalization in cases of widowhood and teenage pregnancy.
However, the Nyokal Feminist Movement, supported by ActionAid International Kenya and in partnership with the Nyokal Women Network, is boldly challenging these entrenched patriarchal structures, aiming to create a more just and equitable society.
In 2024, the Nyokal Feminist Movement initiated critical community conversations to challenge the harmful cultural norms that have long silenced women and girls. Across six locations in Kwabwai Ward, the movement engaged 403 people—including 291 women, 107 men, and 5 persons with disabilities—diversifying the discussion. The focus was on key issues such as violence, femicide, social accountability, and access to justice. These conversations revealed how deeply rooted patriarchal norms not only suppress women’s rights but also contribute to systemic injustices, particularly concerning property ownership and leadership roles.
These dialogues served as a call to action, urging the community to reconsider and dismantle the cultural practices that have historically oppressed women. This initiative represents a significant step by the Nyokal Feminist Movement in breaking the cycle of inequality.
The impact of this movement is already evident. More women have stepped into leadership roles—not only within their households but also in various governance structures and public forums. During the 2024 ward elections, women’s representation in mainstream positions at the grassroots level increased from 6 in 2019 to 14 in 2024 across 31 polling stations. The number of young women leaders also grew, from 3 in 2019 to 8 in 2024. In a recent bursary distribution exercise, the vetting panel mirrored this shift, showcasing the growing inclusion of women in decision-making processes.
The Nyokal Feminist Movement continues to gain momentum, its roots spreading deeper into the community’s fabric. While the road ahead remains long, the women of Nyokal have proven that change is inevitable. With every conversation, every act of participation, and every bold act of defiance, they are moving closer to dismantling patriarchy and claiming their rightful place in society.
“The women of Nyokal are no longer waiting for liberation, they are claiming it, one bold step at a time. Every conversation, every act of participation, and every defiant move is a step closer to dismantling patriarchy and building a more just and equitable society,” stated one of the movement’s leaders.
This movement is not only about transforming legal frameworks but also about changing the hearts and minds of communities deeply entrenched in tradition. The women of Nyokal are no longer waiting for liberation, they are claiming it, one bold step at a time.
Author: Jospher Akinyi, Community Development Facilitator, Nyokal Local Rights Program, ActionAid Kenya. Edited by Ezra Kiriago ,Communications Coordinator ActionAid Kenya.