The Defenders Of Society

Meet three women activists, Scheaffer, Rachael and Susan whose ultimate happiness lies in their struggle for equality forwomen in Kenya.

- Andanje Wobanda

I FIGHT MENTAL SLAVERY SCHEAFFER OKORE 33 Neorealist, Writivist, Afro-Politico-Feminist

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?’