Esther Wandeka

Esther Jonathan Wandeka is a Kenyan women's rights advocate, policy strategist, and organiser known for her work in promoting gender equality and public policy reform. She gained recognition for her contributions to the planning and governmental coordination of the 1985 World Conference on Women, held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Career

Wandeka collaborated with leading African feminist scholars such as Achola Pala to mobilise political and logistical support for the 1985 World Conference. Her efforts were instrumental in ensuring Kenyan governmental backing for the event, which brought together delegates from across the globe.

In 1995, she also contributed to preparations for the Beijing World Conference on Women, where she helped organise the symbolic peace torch initiative to promote unity and peace. ^{[1] [ failed verification ]}

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Wandeka worked with a range of governmental and international bodies to help shape gender policy across East Africa, particularly advocating for African women's leadership in international forums. ^{[2] [ failed verification ]}

At the time of the World Conference on Women, 1985, Wandeka was the Head of the Kenya Women's Bureau and was on the opening panel for the conference. ^[3]

Legacy

While less prominently known in the public eye, Wandeka's contributions have been acknowledged by fellow activists and UN staff as key to the success of Kenya's participation in global women's movements. Her advocacy helped advance African-led policy thinking in gender equity and development.

References

1. Nations, United. "Events". United Nations. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
2. "World Conferences on Women". UN Women – Headquarters. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
3. Runyan, Anne Sisson (1985). "The Personal as Political in Kenya: A Report on the International Women's Studies Institute" (PDF). Canadian Woman Studies . 7 (1&2): 34–37.