By Catherine Kaimenyi | Project Leader
Nairobi and surrounding rural areas
Dear Friends,
The quarter that has just ended was so significant to SAWA, Solidarity for the Advancement of Women's Agenda, when one of our beneficiaries got married to start her family. When she called me to break the news, she was excited to share how her experience with SAWA enriched her courtship and eventually guided her into marriage negotiations. In her new experience, she will be using the business skills acquired during her time at SAWA to manage her tailoring and beadwork shop. She was only sad that her new home is deep in the interior of Kenya with very poor internet network and no electricity to allow her regular communication with us. I paraphrase her telephone communication here below:-
“Today marks a very important day in my life, the day that I tie knot with the love of my heart. I get into this phase of life with confidence because of the lessons that SAWA gave me. I well remember the topic of women’s human rights, gender equity, women and property ownership; things that will practically make sense in my marriage life. I will forever remember the lesson on hygiene and nutrition by Mrs. Kiberenge, the mentor I acquired from SAWA, a lesson that will indeed help me in matters relating to health and nutrition in my new home. I am not sure how I would have faced this life without such knowledge. Mrs. Kiberenge has been key in the marriage preparations, both morally and even financially and I am happy to have her as my mentor. Although we have not organized a formal celebration for a wedding, I do know the importance of formalizing my marriage and will do it as soon as possible. Knowledge is power, and I feel it within me – thanks to SAWA.”
We continue exposing young needy girls in primary schools to computers, writing and offering career guidance. On Sunday afternoons, we have meeting where they come to interact with one another, share experiences and meet with their mentors. They get to have their questions answered and so motivated and inspired to face life with more confidence. The concept of mentorship is eventually being understood, it is not a typical or familiar concept in Kenya, and many women are volunteering to take the role. When we started, very few were offering to be mentors because they did not know what is expected, but currently, I am happy to report that we have some pending, waiting for us to get more girls that they can mentor.
We are forever grateful to our well wishers and sponsors for taking us this far.
Catherine Kaimenyi
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