Women’s Equality Day is all about stressing the importance of equality between men and women. Women are independent, self-driven, and ambitious individuals who deserve the chance to steer their futures in the direction of their choosing. As Rosalynn Carter once said: “You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.”
In days past, the role of women revolved primarily around taking care of children and homemaking. Many women were not allowed to express their opinions, and were denied the chance to go to school, hold jobs, and a seat at the table in general. They were expected to do as told without question.
At Moja Tu, empowering women and girls with a good educational foundation remains one of our key goals. To this end, Moja Tu upholds fairness and believes that every girl matters.
Here’s what several women leaders have say about women’s equality;
“Keep fighting for gender equality, even if it makes people uncomfortable.”
Michelle Obama, American lawyer and author who was the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017.
“If we are going to continue to survive and thrive on this planet, we have to find ways to transcend the politics of division and embrace the places that bond where we find our human ground.”
Oprah Winfrey, American talk show host, actress, television producer, media executive, and philanthropist.
“Raise your hand if you’re a girl in class; run for class president. If you’re interested in it, be a leader. Don’t let the world tell you girls can’t lead.”
Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook, the founder of LeanIn.Org, and a philanthropist.
“Finally, I was able to see that if I had a contribution I wanted to make, I must do it, despite what others said. That I was OK the way I was. That it was all right to be strong.”
Wangari Maathai, renowned Kenyan social, environmental and political activist and the first African woman to win the Nobel Prize.
We interviewed some of the female students in Moja Tu, and this is what they had to say about what Women’s Equality Day is meant to them:
Esther Kitheka has been such an inspiration to many female students in Moja Tu. She serves as a great example that makes them believe that they can be whoever they want to be. Esther says: “Women’s Equality Day means so much to me because Moja Tu believed in my abilities as a person and gave me equal opportunity to go to school and saw me through to my degree course. I am currently employed by the government as an accountant in the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning. I join millions of women to celebrate this day cognizant of the struggles and sacrifices it took to reach where we are.”
Angela Mwihaki, a recent graduate from high school looking forward to moving up to university in the near future, had this to say: “I am super proud of the women making boss moves, breaking the glass ceiling and setting high standards for excellence in Kenya and around the world. I have had the opportunity to get a good education thanks to Moja Tu and I am hopeful about my future because I believe that my education will empower me and my community. I am enthusiastic about women being independent and want to work hard and help other women have a say in their own lives.”
And finally, Esther Kisaka, a form 4 student in high school with a great future ahead of her, remarks, “This day is a reminder that I have an equal chance to study and explore my talents. I have hope for a better tomorrow because Moja Tu is empowering me with education. Once I am done, the job market awaits and I know that I will not only dive in but also thrive because the playing field has been leveled. This opportunity will help me break the cycle of poverty in my family and community, where I want to bring change.”
We also would like to acknowledge our fearless leader Kathy Kempff, the President and founder of Moja Tu. With her unrivaled work ethic, unwavering confidence, and powerful personality, Kathy is a role model to all the young girls and women in our program.
Happy Women’s Equality Day!