Dear Reader, Women Run the World (Yes, Even Yours)

Photo Credit: Pexels. Happy Woman holding balloons

Last year on this very day, International Women’s Day commemoration found me in Kisumu County, Seme, Pap Kadundo to be precise, where I celebrated with great enthusiasm.

The event? The event assembled remarkable individuals who shared intellectual and vocal contributions, where I interacted with FIDA warriors, and devoted civil society organizations working towards reducing inequalities, and of course, the event’s big names: Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, his better half Dorothy Nyong’o and Kenyan comedian Eric Omondi (yes, you read that right), who brought energy to the crowd. It was all bubbles and laughter, joyful speeches, honest discussions on gender equality and equity, majorly depicting hard truths.

Fast forward today, the dialogue has not changed one bit. Does the public applause of women indicate substantial empowerment of their rights? Not quite.

Through women parenting; which entails unpaid domestic labour, they help their children transform the world into a better place. Maria Von Trapp along with many more talented women benefitted from their nurturing as through her, the family developed their musical talents into a global sensation. Women have been on the forefront on advocacy, policy advocacy and community emancipation on climate action, mental health initiatives, peacebuilding and diplomacy, but do they always get the acknowledgement that they deserve? Nope.

Take Nigerian Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan who was recently suspended for six months after expressing her opinions on sexual harassment. And right here in Kenya? Femicide was pretty much on the rise last year, the death toll of victims exceeding 100 in four months, with the majority being assassinated by those close to them. Furthermore, Rebecca Cheptegei’s death indicates the dangers women remain exposed to.

Against all odds, women such as Dr. Amina Abubakar revolutionize mental health care, On the other hand, Christiana Figueres showed immense dedication to the Paris Climate Agreement while Prof. Wangari Maathai defended forests amid societal mockery, not to forget Ambassador Amina Mohammed; Deputy UN Sec Gen who vehemently calls for youth and women emancipation and SDGs attainment.

So now, on International Women’s Day, let’s elevate women to grow louder in their achievements and as a male reader of this piece, if you’re not helping women tap into their potential, at least don’t be the problem propagator.

To every woman leading on international summits or tucking children into bed tonight- You are amazing! 

Happy International Women’s Day. Keep impacting the world!