International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, provides an opportunity to reflect on the quest for gender equality. This historic day honors not just one woman, country, or organization but all women worldwide who inspire others to do better, make a difference, and effect change.
Moja Tu is thrilled to play a part in empowering many young girls by providing them with quality education, paving the way to achieve their goals. We sampled the views of some of the young ladies in the program on what International Women’s Day and women’s empowerment, in general, means to them.
Angela, 21
Diploma in Medical Engineering
Angela is a second-year student at the Technical University of Mombasa. She’s delighted to celebrate this day as women’s efforts are appreciated and valued. “International Women’s Day is special to me as most of my childhood has revolved around women. On this day, the world recognizes and appreciates women for their profound role in society,” she says and adds that she will celebrate this day by appreciating all the women in her life.
Her role model is former US first lady Eleanor Roosevelt. “Eleanor Roosevelt was a voice for many women who wanted to work and achieve their goals. It’s important for women who have made it to reach back and help those who are still in bondage.”
Angela says there are still many stereotypes about women and their roles, which has hindered women from achieving their potential. “Women are expected to stay at home and take care of their families. Additionally, they have to be careful and protect themselves. As a result, it is not uncommon to hear women being blamed for rape or gender-based violence when in fact, they are the victims,” she says.
She appreciates that education plays a vital role in promoting women’s empowerment as women are respected and have a seat at the table. She reveals that the Moja Tu sponsorship has provided support to many girls, helping them escape from early marriages and empowering them to achieve their dreams.
“Getting an education has helped me be more confident and gain skills that have gotten me to explore more of my capabilities,” Angela explains confidently. However, she adds she would like women to be given a podium to express themselves.
Angela says that men have a critical role in women’s empowerment. “Men can contribute to women’s empowerment by treating women as people with emotions who deserve to be loved and taken care of as opposed to the stereotype of women being just home keepers. They also need to join hands and fight for equal rights and opportunities both at home and work,” she explains.
Tabitha, 22, Bachelor of Science in Horticulture
Tabitha is a third-year student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Tabitha is thrilled to celebrate International Women’s Day by honoring the strong women who have brought a change in the world.
Her role model is Michelle Obama, as she inspires Tabitha to believe she can achieve anything she sets her mind to. However, she opines that though women have been given opportunities in work and school, they are still many challenges. “Women are still given less pay compared to their male counterparts and expected to uphold marriages that are broken,” she says with a frown.
As the fight for equal rights and opportunity continues, Tabitha hopes to see women given equal pay in jobs and promoted on merit.
Through her education, she’s hopeful of achieving her goals and contributing to society. “My education has motivated me to continue believing in my dreams and pursue my goals. The hunger to eradicate poverty and empower younger girls has been a strong drive to be successful as a woman,” she says.
To achieve equality, both at home and work, men need to join forces with women to fight for their rights. When men are part of the change, many people can convert their perception of women. “Men can contribute to women’s empowerment by showing solidarity and mentoring young boys to grow up respecting women,” she says assertively.
Grace, 21, Bachelor of Science in Horticulture
Grace is a third-year student at Egerton University. She is excited to celebrate this day and appreciates the women in her life. “International Women’s Day means a lot to me as a woman. It shows how much society appreciates women and all they do and give,” she says with excitement and adds that she will gift her mother to appreciate her.
Women are stereotyped as housekeepers and should not work in corporate jobs. This narrative has continued to see many women not fully achieving their potential. “In my community, women are supposed to take care of their families and do everything they are told without questioning. These are barriers and ceilings that we must break for this generation and generations to come.”
Her role model is Mother Teresa. “Mother Teresa has shown me to be kind, to love, and show compassion. So I try to emulate her every day,” she says.
She asserts that women excel in jobs that were previously believed to be for men. But unfortunately, stereotypes still abound. “We have instances where women are denied managerial jobs as the gatekeepers still think women are weak. Women are expected to be soft-spoken and agree to everything without saying a word in the workplace. If they speak, they are criticized. We truly need to level the playing ground and say what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”
Grace believes that education is the most sustainable and effective way of women’s empowerment. “Getting a quality education has opened up my mind and exposed me to better opportunities that I wouldn’t have if I didn’t go to school. I feel empowered by being in school and getting a higher education,” she says.
Grace celebrates the women in the C-suites of companies. “Seeing many women make it to top positions in organizations has motivated me to continue believing and pursuing my goals despite the challenges that are there. I also want to motivate young girls and encourage them to pursue their goals.”