Kenya - Islamic leaders have for the first time urged their female counterparts to 'get out of the closet' and vie for leadership positions. Speaking during a workshop for Islamic women in Mombasa, the leaders told the women to maintain respect even when they ascend to power. The women, led by chairlady of Kenya Women Muslim Alliance Farida Rashid, however said they still prefer a man to run the country as the President. "We shall take up governor and senator seats as provided under the new constitution, but we shall leave the presidency to be run by a man. We have so many issues, including periods, and diverse feelings that can work against us as women," said Farida.

The women leaders drawn from Marsabit, Lamu, Hola, Mandera, Moyale, Malindi, Kitui, Machakos, Nakuru, Kakamega, Bungoma and Mombasa yesterday held a procession from Leven House to Makadara Grounds to mark the International Women's Day.

During the workshop which was organised by the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya, the organisation's secretary general Sheikh Mohammed Dor, said women handle gender issues better than men. "When in Parliament it is easy for women to consider matters of fistula, early marriages, maternity leave, menstrual cycle among others. Such matters cannot occur in our minds," said Dor.

Sheikh Mohammed Msaalam said Islam does not in any way bar women from taking up leadership roles. Msaalam and Sheikh Mohammed Idris, both CIPK officials, urged women to teach their children the virtues of Islam and ensure they grow up to be good leaders.

Former Judge Sultana Amina also emphasized the need for the government to liaise with the US investigating team to unearth drug barons in the country.

The meeting, which was also attended by various women Islamic scholars and religious leaders, was seen as breaking the ice among Muslim women over their roles in the society.

Maureen Mudi

Nairobi Star/10/03/2011