Men from Western region were testerday urged to allow their wives and daughters to seek elective seats in the August 9 General-Election.

Public Service and Gender Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia, her Sports and Culture counterpart Amina Mohamed and former Nairobi Assembly Speaker Beatrice Elachi decried the low number of women aspirants in the region.

The trio, alongside Chairperson of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation Rose Muiu and her predecessor Zipporah Kittony, yesterday said men should play a greater role in encouraging their female loved ones to venture into politics.

“We still have these retrogressive customs that inhibit the female gender from actively participating in politics. There are also negativities associated with women and politics. This must come to an end,” said Kobia.

She added: “Women have done and can do a lot if given the opportunity to join elective politics. The few who have been elected have proved themselves.”