International Family Day 15th May 2023

 

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"Investing in The Future of Our Children Means Investing in The Future of Our Nation".

The International Day of Families, established by the United Nations in 1993, is an annual celebration that emphasizes the significance of family networks while shedding light on the various social, economic, and demographic challenges faced by families worldwide. This observance serves as a platform for the UN to recognize the evolving nature of family structures due to factors such as social, economic, and demographic shifts. It is a day dedicated to honoring and embracing all types of families.

In 2023, the International Day of Families aims to increase awareness regarding the influence of demographic trends on families. On May 15th, Kenya joined the global commemoration of this year's International Day of Families under the theme of "Demographic Changes and Family Wellbeing." This occasion provides an opportunity to enhance understanding of social, economic, and demographic issues affecting families, as well as to raise awareness about the impact of demographic changes on family welfare.

As we celebrated the International Day of Families on May 15th, it was an opportunity for Kenya to reflect on the state of its families and the challenges they face. While the theme of this year's observance was "Demographic Changes and Family Wellbeing," there were some critical issues that were not given adequate attention in the public discourse.

One of the most pressing concerns that should have been addressed is the current harsh economic climate that has impacted the lowest income families in Kenya. The economic hardships faced by the lowest income families in Kenya are a matter of utmost importance and should have been a central focus on the International Day of Families. The rising cost of living has placed an immense burden on these families, making it increasingly difficult for them to meet their basic needs.

The repercussions of this dire economic situation are far-reaching and deeply concerning, particularly when it comes to the education of children. With limited financial resources available, many families are forced to make the heart-wrenching decision of withdrawing their children from school. This not only deprives these children of their right to education but also perpetuates a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities for their future.

It is crucial for Kenya, as a nation, to address this pressing issue urgently. The government must take immediate action to alleviate the economic burden on low-income families, implementing effective measures to reduce the cost of living and provide support systems that can help them navigate through these challenging times. This includes targeted social welfare programs, access to affordable healthcare, and initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods.

Moreover, the private sector and civil society organizations should join forces with the government to create opportunities for economic empowerment, job creation, and skill development for families living in poverty. Collaboration between these stakeholders can foster an environment that supports the financial stability and well-being of families.

By prioritizing the economic challenges faced by the lowest income families and delivering tangible solutions, Kenya can demonstrate its commitment to family well-being and social progress. Investing in the economic upliftment of these families not only ensures a brighter future for them but also contributes to the overall development and prosperity of the nation as a whole.

Another crucial matter that needs to be addressed is the increasing rate of divorce in Kenya and its impact on children. This trend has led to the emergence of new styles of parenting, such as co-parenting, and blended families. While these new arrangements can be successful, they can also have significant implications for children's wellbeing. While these alternative arrangements have the potential to be successful, we must not overlook the potential implications they may have on the children involved.

Divorce, by its very nature, disrupts the stability and dynamics of the family unit. Children are particularly vulnerable during this period of transition, as they may experience emotional distress, confusion, and a sense of loss. It is crucial for us as a society to provide the necessary support structures to help children navigate through these challenging circumstances.

Co-parenting, where both parents share responsibilities and decision-making for their children, can be a positive approach to post-divorce parenting. However, it requires effective communication, cooperation, and mutual respect between the parents. This can be a complex task, especially if there are unresolved conflicts or lingering animosity between the former partners. It is essential to provide resources and guidance to parents on effective co-parenting strategies, conflict resolution, and the importance of prioritizing the well-being of their children above personal differences.

Blended families, where two separate families come together through marriage or partnership, bring their own set of unique challenges. The adjustment process for children can be complicated, as they navigate new relationships, roles, and dynamics. It is crucial for parents and caregivers in blended families to foster open communication, inclusivity, and understanding. Providing counseling services and support networks for these families can greatly assist in easing the transition and ensuring the well-being of the children involved.

Kenya should take a proactive approach in addressing these challenges. Public awareness campaigns, educational programs, and counseling services focused on healthy co-parenting and blended family dynamics can play a pivotal role in mitigating the potential negative impacts on children. By equipping parents and caregivers with the necessary tools and knowledge, we can promote better outcomes for the well-being and development of children in divorced and blended families.

Furthermore, research and data collection on the long-term effects of divorce and alternative parenting arrangements in the Kenyan context can help inform evidence-based policies and interventions. This will enable us to tailor our efforts to the specific needs and challenges faced by families in our society.

By recognizing the significance of divorce rates and their implications for children, and implementing comprehensive strategies to support co-parenting and blended families, Kenya can foster an environment that promotes the well-being and resilience of children, even in the face of family breakdown. Ultimately, investing in the future of our children means investing in the future of our nation.

Lastly, Kenya must address how to implement care reform, specifically deinstitutionalization, in light of the ongoing demographic changes in families. In the context of the International Day of Families, it is crucial for Kenya to reconsider the implementation of care reform, specifically deinstitutionalization, in response to the ongoing demographic changes affecting families. This process necessitates a comprehensive strategy that is fully government-owned in terms of funding and not only leadership, while also engages all stakeholders, civil society, and communities.

The Department of Social Development coined the theme of the importance of children growing in safe and nurturing families. It recognizes the importance of a nurturing family environment for the overall well-being and development of children. By investing in family strengthening initiatives, Kenya can empower parents and caregivers to provide a stable and supportive home environment for their children.

One key aspect of care reform is economic empowerment. By equipping families with the necessary tools and resources to overcome financial hardships, Kenya can help alleviate some of the pressures that families face as they receive an extra child in their household. This can be achieved through initiatives that promote income-generating activities, vocational training, access to credit facilities, and entrepreneurship support. By lifting families out of poverty and providing sustainable livelihoods, we can create a conducive environment for children's growth and development.

Additionally, psychosocial support plays a vital role in the successful implementation of care reform. By establishing accessible and effective psychosocial support services, Kenya can provide families with the necessary guidance, counseling, and therapy to navigate these transitions successfully. This support can help mitigate the negative impacts on children and promote their overall well-being.

Collaboration among all stakeholders is paramount to the success of care reform. The government should take the lead in developing and implementing policies that prioritize family strengthening, economic empowerment, and psychosocial support. Civil society organizations and communities can play a pivotal role in implementing and monitoring these initiatives at the grassroots level. It is through this collective effort that Kenya can ensure a holistic approach to care reform that addresses the specific needs and challenges faced by families.

Furthermore, robust data collection and research are essential to inform evidence-based practices and measure the impact of care reform initiatives. By monitoring and evaluating the outcomes, we can identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to our strategies.

Therefore, prioritizing family strengthening, economic empowerment, and psychosocial support, Kenya can successfully implement care reform and respond effectively to the ongoing demographic changes in families. This will not only improve the well-being and resilience of children but also contribute to the overall development and prosperity of our society. Investing in the future of our families means investing in the future of our nation.