Train 120 Health & Human Rights promoters in Kenya

Dear Esteemed Supporters and cheerleaders,

We are delighted to share with you the inspiring outcomes of the International Women's Day celebration held at Nyabiosi on March 8, 2024. Your unwavering support has enabled us to continue our mission of empowering women and fostering positive change within communities. In honor of this international day, the HFAW team organized a special event at Nyabiosi, where 25 women participated to become ambassadors of change in their respective communities. The theme of the day, "Empower Women, Inspire Inclusion, and Invest in Women to Accelerate Progress," guided our discussions and activities.

Throughout the session, women were enlightened about their pivotal role in community progress and the transformative power of empowerment. It was emphasized that women's empowerment transcends mere economic independence; it encompasses the freedom to express oneself, stand against oppression, and claim rightful independence in family and societal matters.

A crucial aspect of the event was addressing women's rights, as many participants lacked awareness of their entitlements. The discussion on property ownership rights sparked debates, with some women expressing feelings of disempowerment within their families. Doricah, not her real name, said, “We don’t own anything in our families, we were married to give birth and take care of the children.” The HFAW team emphasized the need for cultural shifts and the importance of educating women and men about women’s rights to combat gender disparities.

Furthermore, participants engaged in dialogue about access to healthcare services and reproductive rights. Many women admitted to only seeking medical assistance when sick, highlighting the lack of information about their entitlement to comprehensive healthcare. HFAW stressed the importance of regular check-ups, especially with regard to sexual and reproductive health, to prevent diseases like cervical cancer.

Interactive sessions allowed women to address personal concerns and seek advice on various issues affecting their lives and relationships. Vivian, not her real name asked, “Do some contraceptives make you lack sexual desire?” Agnes, not her real name also asked resorted to symbolic language when speaking about sexual matters, “my husband likes keeping away from me, for instance when we are going for a journey, he makes me go first or I be the last, what might be the reason behind him doing so?” Everyone laughed and HFAW responded to suggest that perhaps he finds that process to work better for you both.

From marital challenges to reproductive health queries, participants were encouraged to speak out and seek support from HFAW and other relevant resources.

As the event concluded, women expressed enthusiasm about implementing the knowledge gained and becoming agents of change within their communities. They pledged to advocate for women's rights, promote dialogue within families, and spread awareness about gender equality.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, as our valued supporters, for being integral to our journey of creating positive change.We invite you to continue championing our cause and spreading the message of empowerment and inclusion.

Thank you for being instrumental in our mission to build a society free of gender inequalities.

Sincerely,

Doris Kananu,

Program Director.