Meet three women activists, Scheaffer, Rachael and Susan whose ultimate happiness lies in their struggle for equality forwomen in Kenya.
Why do you do it?
I want to end mental slavery. Kenyans do not realise that being able to question what we are told not to question is the essence of freedom. I want people to be so liberated that they will realise the issues we raise no matter how small, matter. As things stand, if you do not have a recognisable name, are not in political office, or do not have money, no one cares about you or what you think. This needs to change.
I like to think that I have always been an activist. In school I was nicknamed Schea of Shebba because I was a person who walked into spaces like I owned them, and asked uncomfortable questions. I ran into a lot of trouble for speaking out because African children are to be seen and not heard. I had been doing this rebellion thing since I was 8 years old. This is because my mum always told me to speak up and speak for myself, because no one else will. It is why I joined Siasa place (an NGO that engages young people in political processes) as the programs manager in 2015, and Ukweli political party as the Vice Chair.
What have you learnt so far about activism?
That when you choose to speak, people will send you cases you have never handled before. I find myself handling cases that range from rape, gender based violence to seeking medical funds for cancer patients. What I have learned from all these cases is that there are a lot of good people out here who want to help but do not know where to start, so I am happy to serve as their starting point. What are some of the challenges you experience? It bothers me that when it comes to women, somehow, questions of capability, work ethic and vision are thrown out the window and you instead get asked ‘are you married?’
Esta historia es de la edición August 2018 de TRUE LOVE Magazine East Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición August 2018 de TRUE LOVE Magazine East Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
RADIO HEADS
Known for their pleasant voices and eloquent English, Cate Sidede, Terry Muikamba and Anne Mwaura open up about life on air, their personal struggles and why they love radio.
WHY SO INSECURE?
Creating false realities inside your head based on assumptions is highly likely in any relationship. PRISCILLA WAIRIMU says acknowledging this is a problem is the first step in the right direction.
TOGETHER, APART
Are you in a long-distance relationship? Are you tired of hearing all the messages of doom from people who swear your relationship is bound to fail? ALISON SIFUMA shows you how to foster your connection despite the space between.
THE BEAT KILLER
Amos Njenga Chege aka Magix Enga, on producing, forgiving Harmonize for sampling his beats and finally getting into singing.
THE ANTI-SOCIAL STORY TELLER
Muigai Mwangi aka Ndugu Abisai, 30 loves the art of storytelling. He speaks on his love for chai, his biggest fear as a writer and the Soap opera he is currently writing.
The Making Of A Popstar
Her first EP (Extended Play Record) is ruling the airwaves and Tanasha Donna wants you to know that despite her heartbreak and being a new mom she is on her way to superstardom.
IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP FUN?
A relationship can sometimes feel boring. This is a phase that comes and goes. However there are certain circumstances where feelings of relationship boredom are not a phase but are permanent.
MANAGING YOUR ANXIETY
Anxiety is like a toddler, it never stops talking, tells you constantly that it wants its own way, and keeps you up when you are trying to sleep.
INDOOR CAMPING
No indoor plans for the Easter Holiday? MERCY RAPHA shows you how to make indoor camping a forever memory for your kids.
6 FUN HOUSE-BOUND ACTIVITIES
Stuck with the kids at home this lockdown season? MERCY RAPHA gives you fun activities to turn boredom into bonding time.