By Judy Cherop, SDI-Kenya

Gone are the days when women were belittled in households and in the community; not being able to voice out their concerns, ideas, opinions, or views.

A woman is now the voice of the community. Young women in our society have been empowered and exposed to so many opportunities over the years and that has built up a space for them to come out in might and in numbers to speak and voice both their challenges and wins.

Investments in the girl child have been laid out in various channels; education, mentorship programs, self-help groups, and so much more and this has groomed these young women from an early age. However, gender inequality especially has caused a setback over the years. This has emerged as a concern that has been voiced out and over time, it has scaled down owing to the continuous advocacy efforts. Moreover, the 2022 women’s day campaign hashtag #breakthebias, aims to add on to these continuous efforts and advocate for a gender equal world that is diverse equitable and inclusive.

“If we are ever going to achieve true equality across every societal, cultural, and business area, then we need to break all of the biases which have become standard practice.” Caroline Casey, award-winning visionary activist

Muungano Wa Wanavijiji, the Kenyan federation of slum dwellers, has extensively created space for many young women from the age of 18 to build and advance themselves in the field of advocacy and social justice in the informal settlements. Many of these women even as leaders in their community have grown their capacities and gained a voice and a stand for what they say as young women in a community.

Growth and milestones

The young women in the federation now highly speak of all they have gained and learned through the federation’s support since they joined years back.

“Ever since I joined the federation at a young age, I have gained exposure widely and built myself through savings and engaging in advocacy matters. I even gained a leadership position in one of the social justice groups in our community” Jane Wanjiru, federation member, Mathare.

She continues to say that the federation had impacted her life in ways she did not think her life would change. To be able to make a change in a woman’s life is enough proof of societal growth.

The aspect of being the voice of the community is compelling. The capability to advocate on behalf of the community to the authorities and leaders for a change reinforces and highlights hope for a future change in the community.

Procuring skills

Throughout the years these women have been part of the federation. Overtime, they have been taught and in turn, they have gained skills which have enabled them work within their community.

“We have been taught to collect data from the community for use in negotiating for our needs with our leaders. We also have the skills to document our stories through capturing in audio visual form and writing to share with the world.” Eva Muchiri, federation member, Mathare

Efforts to include young women in skill development need to be effectively positioned to convey concerns of status, equality and challenge social perceptions.

We are mentored to mentor!

Mentorship has  helped women overcome barriers and lifetime challenges and eventually boost their confidence and composure. But to formally reflect, it is key to consider; ‘How are we using mentorship to empower women?’

Kamila Gojobe, one of the youngest women in the federation, has been part of the movement for years. She narrates how earlier, she never had the ‘voice’  but the exposure and mentorship have broadened her mind and capacity  to mentor and be a peer counselor to young kids in her community. Additionally, she has honed her skills and has gained the opportunity to travel and participate in federation activities in South Africa and India.

Jane Wanjiru and Eva Muchiri also carry out mentorship programs every week for young teenage girls in the informal settlements. Through these organized sessions, they are able to teach them personal hygiene, dignity, and so much more on how to safeguard themselves in cases of critical situations e.g. kidnapping.

Empowering young women after all is pertinent for overall societal development having seen the impact it has made on the young women in the federation. Therefore, it is necessary to mark the impacts of empowerment because these women are the future societal mothers and founders of a great breakthrough!