Is women empowerment good for our economy?

Abstract

Nairobi, Kenya: It has been argued that power lost must be gained by someone else. There cannot be power floating somewhere in the air waiting to be grabbed; ask grand coalition members. One of the recent developments in Kenya is women empowerment with some observers arguing that men are losing power gained by women. Section 81(b) of the 2010 Constitution says, “Not more than two-thirds of the members of elective public bodies shall be of the same gender.” That was one big boost to women empowerment. This clause has been applied to the letter including in the appointment of the “coolest jobs” in Kenya, cabinet secretaries. Legal issues apart, is women empowerment good for our economy?