Wednesday 16 November 2011
Women, Poverty & Economics
Women bear a disproportionate burden of the world’s poverty. Statistics indicate that women are more likely than men to be poor and at risk of hunger because of the systematic discrimination they face in education, health care, employment and control of assets. Poverty implications are widespread for women, leaving many without even basic rights such as access to clean drinking water, sanitation, medical care and decent employment. Being poor can also mean they have little protection from violence and have no role in decision making.
According to some estimates, women represent 70 percent of the world’s poor. They are often paid less than men for their work, with the average wage gap in 2008 being 17 percent. Women face persistent discrimination when they apply for credit for business or self-employment and are often concentrated in insecure, unsafe and low-wage work. Eight out of ten women workers are considered to be in vulnerable employment in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, with global economic changes taking a huge toll on their livelihoods.
The current financial crisis is likely to affect women particularly severely. In many developing countries where women work in export-led factories, or in countries where migrant women workers are the backbone of service industries, women’s jobs have taken the greatest hit. The International Labour Organization estimates that the economic downturn could lead to 22 million more unemployed women in 2009, jeopardizing the gains made in the last few decades in women’s empowerment.
In many countries, however, the impact goes far beyond the loss of formal jobs, as the majority of women tend to work in the informal sector, for example as domestics in cities, and do not show up in official unemployment numbers. Economic policies and institutions still mostly fail to take gender disparities into account, from tax and budget systems to trade regimes. And with too few seats at the tables where economic decisions are made, women themselves have limited opportunity to influence policy.
According to some estimates, women represent 70 percent of the world’s poor. They are often paid less than men for their work, with the average wage gap in 2008 being 17 percent. Women face persistent discrimination when they apply for credit for business or self-employment and are often concentrated in insecure, unsafe and low-wage work. Eight out of ten women workers are considered to be in vulnerable employment in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, with global economic changes taking a huge toll on their livelihoods.
The current financial crisis is likely to affect women particularly severely. In many developing countries where women work in export-led factories, or in countries where migrant women workers are the backbone of service industries, women’s jobs have taken the greatest hit. The International Labour Organization estimates that the economic downturn could lead to 22 million more unemployed women in 2009, jeopardizing the gains made in the last few decades in women’s empowerment.
In many countries, however, the impact goes far beyond the loss of formal jobs, as the majority of women tend to work in the informal sector, for example as domestics in cities, and do not show up in official unemployment numbers. Economic policies and institutions still mostly fail to take gender disparities into account, from tax and budget systems to trade regimes. And with too few seats at the tables where economic decisions are made, women themselves have limited opportunity to influence policy.
Tuesday 15 November 2011
Tuesday 12 April 2011
Women narrates their experiences with house helps
By Venter Mwongera
Walking down scores of hills and climbing up numberless valleys was the most challenging part of my journey. Sweat beads formed at my temple in triples and it quietly slithered down my cheeks in such hurry like a warrior on errand.
I could not bear the heat any longer. The sun’s ultra violet rays were at their peak. With very little options in my hands to provide remedy to the situation; I took refuge under a huge, shady and a well built Mugumo tree whose stature gave comfort and consolation to my won out body. Its tap and fibrous roots guaranteed maximum support hence array of a mixture of very cold and hot breeze swept the land and this gave my scrawny body relaxation that sent my inner being into slumber land for 2 hours.
It was at 3 pm and I had to catch up with my three interviewees that I would not fall short to talk to. I tested my equipment and to my amazement, my recorder was at its best and the camera was dying to close in anything that crossed its lens.
Meet mama Allan. She has a quiet demeanor. Getting a story out of her is equally demanding. Your communication skills need to be well polished least you end up a frustrated being. At every stage of my interview with her, I need to make her laugh and after fifteen extremely arduous minutes; she finally opens her granary of her experiences with house helps.
“It is fresh in my mind how last year was a misery to me. Every time my phone rung, a cold chill run down my spine. I would expect to hear a worst report than the previous one from my neighbor, in relation to my house help. The house helps had a tendency of leaving my house impromptu, leaving my children crying after them and without any mercy at all, they would leave in broad day light leaving my house doors wide open.
Some who would be a little bit considerate could not carry away my belongings but majority carried most of my valuables. And, it is amazing how they conceal the beast in them. You can never tell when they are likely to strike you take cover. They always get you off guard.
*Mercy is a girl I proudly introduced as my first born daughter. She was twenty-one at the time. She had a unique story about her past and this lured me into her well calculated charms.
She had scored 330 in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education out of 500 marks but her dream of attaining the highest canyons of education were cut short. According to her, poverty could have been her second name. She hailed from Matuu in Ukambani. She had 6 brothers and 5 sisters. Mercy was sandwiched in them.
Mercy was a much focused young woman who wanted to change her past and shape her destiny in whichever means. Any time she spoke about her past experiences; she would break down.
Her parents were peasants and rain was scanty in their region. Hence most of the time, they would afford a mug of white porridge after two days. Since that was how it was since they were born; somehow, they had learn how to survive.
Jiggers were a menace to them too. They were all jigger infected. I remember very well her first days in my house. She could not give you a hand shake. She was ashamed of her finger heads since they were bigger than her hands. They were not proportional because jiggers had eaten all her toes and finger nails, the scars left were swollen giving her fingers and toe a shape of a hummer. She was not at ease with how she looked.
Many people mocked her walking style as she walked as if dancing. This was as a result of walking in fear due to pain in her soles as a result of presence of jiggers all over her legs and arms.
I managed to win her confidence since she was a good girl. I made sure that I helped her live a life better than what she was used to. I had promised her that I would support her in any way to actualize her dream of a better future she longed for.
However, Mercy was a beneficiary of free primary school education. Her parents could not afford to take her to secondary school she was admitted after her brilliant performance in her primary education.
That is when Mercy chooses to carry out house help chores to earn a living and help her siblings.
Her story was so inspiring and I was determined to help her out in my little ways.
Mercy wanted to do a course in tailoring and I had discussed this with my husband. We were willing to help her in rising training fees for this course but out of her own effort, she would later buy a sewing machine for herself.
We had a deal with her that after three years of stay in my house, we would honour our part.
This was never to be! Mercy followed an old man in the pretest that she was too old to learn new tricks after two and half years of stay at my home.
In fact, her conduct had changed in the last two months of stay in my house. She would forget food cooking in the gas cooker and instead of frying food for instance cabbage stew; during this period, we ate roast cabbages or porridge!
Actually, with the wisdom that Mercy had, I could not imagine she would be mislead by a man seventeen years her senior that he would solve all her problems at once, camouflage the living standards of her other siblings.
Mercy packed all her belongings and left my house one bright afternoon without informing me. Her elderly ‘husband’ swept her off her feet with his sweet promises and won her confidence.
I can assure you that even if I had prior knowledge of her intentions; I could not manage to change her stand. She was blindly in love with her man.
The bitter part of the story is that Mercy sold herself of to the man without her parents’ blessings.
She didn’t even take time to study her fiancé’s past behavior. She eloped with him to an unknown place.
When I came in the evening after a hard day’s work; I was too tired. I had purposed to take a cold shower and sleep early after getting into the house.
At vanishing point, I could see darkness in my house. On reaching inside the compound, there was dead silence and my instincts were communicating something strange had happened.
I hurriedly, switched on the compound lights and to my utter surprise, all the windows were wide open and there was nobody at home.
I rushed to my immediate neighbor. This is where I met my children. Mercy had left them at a neighbour’s house in pretense that she had gone to a nearby grocer to buy vegetables.
In the house, she had not taken anything. But, she had performed all her day’s chores and left.
Well, Mercy was a good girl and I wanted to get to the bottom of this matter. I visited her parents 3days later to find out if she arrived home safely. Her parents were equally in darkness about her marriage.
I later learn that Mercy was abandoned by her husband in her 5th month of pregnancy and she returned to her parents poorer and with more problems of taking care of her child singlehandedly.”
Mama Allan is not the only one who had a good share of experiences with house helps. But, according to her, every house help teaches her a new lesson. She has now adapted to their behavior and any time anyone of the leaves without a warning; she is never worried like before.
Mama Justin is not new to this story. As a matter of fact, she has changed house help just like the way she changes clothes.
“I thought my house help worries were over when I met Julia 2 years ago. Little did I know that it was a new beginning of a goose chase.
Julia was a mother of two and she had separated from her husband three years ago. Julia is HIV positive and she used to take her antiretroviral drugs secretly. One day, she forgot where she had placed them and in the process of looking for them, that is when I bumped into them. I knew ARVs because my younger sister succumbed to HIV/Aids related complications and she used such drugs as Julia’s.
I persuaded her to tell me the truth. She opened up to me and her story was chilling. She was gang raped three years ago one evening as she was coming from the market. Her husband could not understand how she was raped but instead, he accused her of being immoral and unfaithful to him.
Her marriage could not work because she faced stigma from her husband whom she confided with hoping to get a shoulder to lean on. Her husband told his parent and they are the ones who threw Julia out of her matrimonial house.
After the rape ordeal, her life changed for the worse. She was thrown out with her children in broad day light by her husband together with her in-laws leaving behind everything that they had acquired for seven years of marriage.
Julia decided to do any job that comes her way since her children and she needed to feed. She became frail, falling sick every now and then and this is when she decided to do a HIV/Aids test which turned out positive. Her CD4 counts were 200 hence she was put on antiretroviral drugs.
I sympathized with Julia because according to her, she believed that she got the virus when she was raped.
I vowed to help Julia the much I could but one day, I found enough was enough. Julia used to dress in my daughter’s under wears.
I confronted her and she confessed having worn my child’s pants for the seven months she stayed in my house.
I went into depression because I thought my child could have contracted the virus in the process of sharing inner wears. I took my child for HIV/Aids test and she has turned out negative 8 times.
I found out that I was putting my children’s life in jeopardy while sympathizing with Julian who in return didn’t appreciate all the efforts I was putting in her to make her life a little bit comfortable. I used to pay her Ksh.5, 000. This would make her life okay. But, when I learnt that her intentions were not good, I threw her out of my house!
Walking down scores of hills and climbing up numberless valleys was the most challenging part of my journey. Sweat beads formed at my temple in triples and it quietly slithered down my cheeks in such hurry like a warrior on errand.
I could not bear the heat any longer. The sun’s ultra violet rays were at their peak. With very little options in my hands to provide remedy to the situation; I took refuge under a huge, shady and a well built Mugumo tree whose stature gave comfort and consolation to my won out body. Its tap and fibrous roots guaranteed maximum support hence array of a mixture of very cold and hot breeze swept the land and this gave my scrawny body relaxation that sent my inner being into slumber land for 2 hours.
It was at 3 pm and I had to catch up with my three interviewees that I would not fall short to talk to. I tested my equipment and to my amazement, my recorder was at its best and the camera was dying to close in anything that crossed its lens.
Meet mama Allan. She has a quiet demeanor. Getting a story out of her is equally demanding. Your communication skills need to be well polished least you end up a frustrated being. At every stage of my interview with her, I need to make her laugh and after fifteen extremely arduous minutes; she finally opens her granary of her experiences with house helps.
“It is fresh in my mind how last year was a misery to me. Every time my phone rung, a cold chill run down my spine. I would expect to hear a worst report than the previous one from my neighbor, in relation to my house help. The house helps had a tendency of leaving my house impromptu, leaving my children crying after them and without any mercy at all, they would leave in broad day light leaving my house doors wide open.
Some who would be a little bit considerate could not carry away my belongings but majority carried most of my valuables. And, it is amazing how they conceal the beast in them. You can never tell when they are likely to strike you take cover. They always get you off guard.
*Mercy is a girl I proudly introduced as my first born daughter. She was twenty-one at the time. She had a unique story about her past and this lured me into her well calculated charms.
She had scored 330 in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education out of 500 marks but her dream of attaining the highest canyons of education were cut short. According to her, poverty could have been her second name. She hailed from Matuu in Ukambani. She had 6 brothers and 5 sisters. Mercy was sandwiched in them.
Mercy was a much focused young woman who wanted to change her past and shape her destiny in whichever means. Any time she spoke about her past experiences; she would break down.
Her parents were peasants and rain was scanty in their region. Hence most of the time, they would afford a mug of white porridge after two days. Since that was how it was since they were born; somehow, they had learn how to survive.
Jiggers were a menace to them too. They were all jigger infected. I remember very well her first days in my house. She could not give you a hand shake. She was ashamed of her finger heads since they were bigger than her hands. They were not proportional because jiggers had eaten all her toes and finger nails, the scars left were swollen giving her fingers and toe a shape of a hummer. She was not at ease with how she looked.
Many people mocked her walking style as she walked as if dancing. This was as a result of walking in fear due to pain in her soles as a result of presence of jiggers all over her legs and arms.
I managed to win her confidence since she was a good girl. I made sure that I helped her live a life better than what she was used to. I had promised her that I would support her in any way to actualize her dream of a better future she longed for.
However, Mercy was a beneficiary of free primary school education. Her parents could not afford to take her to secondary school she was admitted after her brilliant performance in her primary education.
That is when Mercy chooses to carry out house help chores to earn a living and help her siblings.
Her story was so inspiring and I was determined to help her out in my little ways.
Mercy wanted to do a course in tailoring and I had discussed this with my husband. We were willing to help her in rising training fees for this course but out of her own effort, she would later buy a sewing machine for herself.
We had a deal with her that after three years of stay in my house, we would honour our part.
This was never to be! Mercy followed an old man in the pretest that she was too old to learn new tricks after two and half years of stay at my home.
In fact, her conduct had changed in the last two months of stay in my house. She would forget food cooking in the gas cooker and instead of frying food for instance cabbage stew; during this period, we ate roast cabbages or porridge!
Actually, with the wisdom that Mercy had, I could not imagine she would be mislead by a man seventeen years her senior that he would solve all her problems at once, camouflage the living standards of her other siblings.
Mercy packed all her belongings and left my house one bright afternoon without informing me. Her elderly ‘husband’ swept her off her feet with his sweet promises and won her confidence.
I can assure you that even if I had prior knowledge of her intentions; I could not manage to change her stand. She was blindly in love with her man.
The bitter part of the story is that Mercy sold herself of to the man without her parents’ blessings.
She didn’t even take time to study her fiancé’s past behavior. She eloped with him to an unknown place.
When I came in the evening after a hard day’s work; I was too tired. I had purposed to take a cold shower and sleep early after getting into the house.
At vanishing point, I could see darkness in my house. On reaching inside the compound, there was dead silence and my instincts were communicating something strange had happened.
I hurriedly, switched on the compound lights and to my utter surprise, all the windows were wide open and there was nobody at home.
I rushed to my immediate neighbor. This is where I met my children. Mercy had left them at a neighbour’s house in pretense that she had gone to a nearby grocer to buy vegetables.
In the house, she had not taken anything. But, she had performed all her day’s chores and left.
Well, Mercy was a good girl and I wanted to get to the bottom of this matter. I visited her parents 3days later to find out if she arrived home safely. Her parents were equally in darkness about her marriage.
I later learn that Mercy was abandoned by her husband in her 5th month of pregnancy and she returned to her parents poorer and with more problems of taking care of her child singlehandedly.”
Mama Allan is not the only one who had a good share of experiences with house helps. But, according to her, every house help teaches her a new lesson. She has now adapted to their behavior and any time anyone of the leaves without a warning; she is never worried like before.
Mama Justin is not new to this story. As a matter of fact, she has changed house help just like the way she changes clothes.
“I thought my house help worries were over when I met Julia 2 years ago. Little did I know that it was a new beginning of a goose chase.
Julia was a mother of two and she had separated from her husband three years ago. Julia is HIV positive and she used to take her antiretroviral drugs secretly. One day, she forgot where she had placed them and in the process of looking for them, that is when I bumped into them. I knew ARVs because my younger sister succumbed to HIV/Aids related complications and she used such drugs as Julia’s.
I persuaded her to tell me the truth. She opened up to me and her story was chilling. She was gang raped three years ago one evening as she was coming from the market. Her husband could not understand how she was raped but instead, he accused her of being immoral and unfaithful to him.
Her marriage could not work because she faced stigma from her husband whom she confided with hoping to get a shoulder to lean on. Her husband told his parent and they are the ones who threw Julia out of her matrimonial house.
After the rape ordeal, her life changed for the worse. She was thrown out with her children in broad day light by her husband together with her in-laws leaving behind everything that they had acquired for seven years of marriage.
Julia decided to do any job that comes her way since her children and she needed to feed. She became frail, falling sick every now and then and this is when she decided to do a HIV/Aids test which turned out positive. Her CD4 counts were 200 hence she was put on antiretroviral drugs.
I sympathized with Julia because according to her, she believed that she got the virus when she was raped.
I vowed to help Julia the much I could but one day, I found enough was enough. Julia used to dress in my daughter’s under wears.
I confronted her and she confessed having worn my child’s pants for the seven months she stayed in my house.
I went into depression because I thought my child could have contracted the virus in the process of sharing inner wears. I took my child for HIV/Aids test and she has turned out negative 8 times.
I found out that I was putting my children’s life in jeopardy while sympathizing with Julian who in return didn’t appreciate all the efforts I was putting in her to make her life a little bit comfortable. I used to pay her Ksh.5, 000. This would make her life okay. But, when I learnt that her intentions were not good, I threw her out of my house!
A PROFILE OF A YOUNG WOMAN SCIENTIST
By Venter Mwongera
Mrs. Bilha Gitonga holds a Bachelor of Science (Engineering) specializing in Chemical and Process Engineering, she holds a masters in Environmental Engineering and currently she is pursuing a PHD in Engineering. She is an associate Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. She is 33 years old. Her family lives in Kenya though she travels to Dar es Salaam more often.
Q: What is your name?
Ans: Mrs. Bilha E. Gitonga
Q: What did you pursue in Form IV, the subjects you majored on in Form V & VI, in your undergraduate level, Masters and what you are currently studying for your doctorate?
Ans:
In Form III of my secondary school, I concentrated in science subjects (mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology), Form V & VI I, i did PCM combination that is PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY and MATHEMATICS. Undergraduate level, I did Bachelor of Science (Engineering) and I specialized in Chemical and Process Engineering. I later on mastered in Environmental Engineering. Currently, i am pursuing a PHD in Engineering and i hope to be through by next year.
Q: Why do you have passion for science subjects?
Ans: since when I was in Primary School, I used to perform very well in mathematics and science subjects. This caused me to love these subjects more than other subjects.
Q: What is your inspiration?
Ans: I would want to be a competent Doctor in Engineering especially in environment just like my mentor, Professor Jamidu H. Y. Katima
Q: What are some of the challenges you were faced with while pursuing your studies? (Primary level to where you are to date)
Ans:
The challenges I faced in my primary school as a bright girl was hatred from boys. Many didn’t like a scenario where by a girl would beat them in class especially in sciences and mathematics.
In the university, some male students and lecturers wanted to have illicit relationship with me just because I was a bright lady.
As a married woman, the main challenge am facing now, is to balance my studies with my family. I have to make sure that I remain a good and dutiful wife to my husband and a good mother to my children at the same time concentrate with my studies.
Q: Have you ever been discriminated upon because you are studying subjects that were previously deemed men subject?
Ans:
No and yes. Earlier on, i had to develop a tortoise skin in order to survive; lest i fall due to hatred from men. But lately, the World has changed and people have become more informed. Many girls are taking science subjects just like men. So, the attitude towards us women in men dominated profession has changed and ought to be.
Q: Did your parents, brothers and sisters discourage you from following your dream when you noticed that your strength was in science subjects?
Ans:
No, my parents, brothers and sisters were happy. In fact, they supported me and this long journey to my education could not have been easy were it not for their unfaltering support they had for me.
Q: What are some of the challenges that you encounter in your line of duty as an engineer, a scholar, a mother, a wife, a sister and a friend? And how do you manage all this?
Ans:
I have to make sure that I study hard and at the same time, take good care of my husband, children and have some time to meet my sisters, friends. It is a big challenge but by God’s grace, i am able to multi task. I have learnt to balance the time i have in attending to the needs of my family. My husband is very supportive and understanding too. This humbles me and gives me energy to go on. I that God for the support i get from them
Q: Tell me about your marriage (what are your husband’s view towards your studies? Does he support you? )
Ans:
My husband is very proud of me and my success. He is fully supporting me morally, spiritually and financially where necessary.
Q: How many children do you have and what is your opinion about their studies?
Ans:
We have two beautiful girls. Imagine i cannot choose which subjects they should take. That is to deny them their right to choose. I will give them freedom to choose what to do.
Q: If they go against your grain for instance, if they want to deviate from your line of education and do arts studies, would you support them?
Ans:
Yes. Absolutely.
Q: What does your husband do for a living?
Ans:
He works with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as an Infrastructure Advisor.
Q: What is his profession? Is he a scientist like you?
Ans:
• He has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Masters in Integrated Water Resources Management.
Q: Where are you working currently?
Ans:
I work as an assistant Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Currently, i am on a three -year study leave.
Q: What are you researching on?
Ans:
I am researching on Evaluation of environmental impact of production of liquid bio-fuels (bio-diesel and bio-ethanol) in Tanzania.
Q: Have you ever been looked down upon or discriminated against at place of work just because you are a woman?
Ans:
It has never happened
Q: What advice would you give to girls who shy away from taking science subjects thinking that they are hard to understand?
Ans:
I would like to advice girls that they should not be afraid of science subjects. These subjects are not too hard as they think. If they have interest in science subjects; they only need to put more effort because where there is will, there is a way.
Q: How does your day at work look like?
Ans:
I do love lecturing, when am at work my day is enjoyable.
Q: After you are through with your doctorate studies, what are the future plans for Bilha (career wise)?
Ans:
Since i have specialized on environment, I would love to work with United Nations Environmental Programme as an Environmentalist.
Q: Please give me a brief summary of what your brothers and sister have pursued in their profession. I.e. if any of them has done science subjects just like you.
Ans:
My two sisters and two brothers have done accounts, one brother did Food Science and Technology, one sister did nursing, two sisters are teachers and my other two brothers do business.
Q: What is your greatest achievement in your career?
Ans:
What I consider as greatest achievement was participating as a researcher in waste water treatment project called Constructed wetlands and water stabilization ponds (CW and WSP) of the University of Dar es Salaam. With this research project, i was able to design a constructed wetland for wastewater treatment in Dar es Salaam.
Another achievement is a proposal I wrote requesting for USD 300, 000 funds for the CW and WSP project from Bio-Earn. And this proposal was selected for funding.
Q: How old are you?
Ans:
33 years old
Q: For how long have you been married?
Ans:
Six years
Mrs. Bilha Gitonga holds a Bachelor of Science (Engineering) specializing in Chemical and Process Engineering, she holds a masters in Environmental Engineering and currently she is pursuing a PHD in Engineering. She is an associate Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. She is 33 years old. Her family lives in Kenya though she travels to Dar es Salaam more often.
Q: What is your name?
Ans: Mrs. Bilha E. Gitonga
Q: What did you pursue in Form IV, the subjects you majored on in Form V & VI, in your undergraduate level, Masters and what you are currently studying for your doctorate?
Ans:
In Form III of my secondary school, I concentrated in science subjects (mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology), Form V & VI I, i did PCM combination that is PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY and MATHEMATICS. Undergraduate level, I did Bachelor of Science (Engineering) and I specialized in Chemical and Process Engineering. I later on mastered in Environmental Engineering. Currently, i am pursuing a PHD in Engineering and i hope to be through by next year.
Q: Why do you have passion for science subjects?
Ans: since when I was in Primary School, I used to perform very well in mathematics and science subjects. This caused me to love these subjects more than other subjects.
Q: What is your inspiration?
Ans: I would want to be a competent Doctor in Engineering especially in environment just like my mentor, Professor Jamidu H. Y. Katima
Q: What are some of the challenges you were faced with while pursuing your studies? (Primary level to where you are to date)
Ans:
The challenges I faced in my primary school as a bright girl was hatred from boys. Many didn’t like a scenario where by a girl would beat them in class especially in sciences and mathematics.
In the university, some male students and lecturers wanted to have illicit relationship with me just because I was a bright lady.
As a married woman, the main challenge am facing now, is to balance my studies with my family. I have to make sure that I remain a good and dutiful wife to my husband and a good mother to my children at the same time concentrate with my studies.
Q: Have you ever been discriminated upon because you are studying subjects that were previously deemed men subject?
Ans:
No and yes. Earlier on, i had to develop a tortoise skin in order to survive; lest i fall due to hatred from men. But lately, the World has changed and people have become more informed. Many girls are taking science subjects just like men. So, the attitude towards us women in men dominated profession has changed and ought to be.
Q: Did your parents, brothers and sisters discourage you from following your dream when you noticed that your strength was in science subjects?
Ans:
No, my parents, brothers and sisters were happy. In fact, they supported me and this long journey to my education could not have been easy were it not for their unfaltering support they had for me.
Q: What are some of the challenges that you encounter in your line of duty as an engineer, a scholar, a mother, a wife, a sister and a friend? And how do you manage all this?
Ans:
I have to make sure that I study hard and at the same time, take good care of my husband, children and have some time to meet my sisters, friends. It is a big challenge but by God’s grace, i am able to multi task. I have learnt to balance the time i have in attending to the needs of my family. My husband is very supportive and understanding too. This humbles me and gives me energy to go on. I that God for the support i get from them
Q: Tell me about your marriage (what are your husband’s view towards your studies? Does he support you? )
Ans:
My husband is very proud of me and my success. He is fully supporting me morally, spiritually and financially where necessary.
Q: How many children do you have and what is your opinion about their studies?
Ans:
We have two beautiful girls. Imagine i cannot choose which subjects they should take. That is to deny them their right to choose. I will give them freedom to choose what to do.
Q: If they go against your grain for instance, if they want to deviate from your line of education and do arts studies, would you support them?
Ans:
Yes. Absolutely.
Q: What does your husband do for a living?
Ans:
He works with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as an Infrastructure Advisor.
Q: What is his profession? Is he a scientist like you?
Ans:
• He has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Masters in Integrated Water Resources Management.
Q: Where are you working currently?
Ans:
I work as an assistant Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Currently, i am on a three -year study leave.
Q: What are you researching on?
Ans:
I am researching on Evaluation of environmental impact of production of liquid bio-fuels (bio-diesel and bio-ethanol) in Tanzania.
Q: Have you ever been looked down upon or discriminated against at place of work just because you are a woman?
Ans:
It has never happened
Q: What advice would you give to girls who shy away from taking science subjects thinking that they are hard to understand?
Ans:
I would like to advice girls that they should not be afraid of science subjects. These subjects are not too hard as they think. If they have interest in science subjects; they only need to put more effort because where there is will, there is a way.
Q: How does your day at work look like?
Ans:
I do love lecturing, when am at work my day is enjoyable.
Q: After you are through with your doctorate studies, what are the future plans for Bilha (career wise)?
Ans:
Since i have specialized on environment, I would love to work with United Nations Environmental Programme as an Environmentalist.
Q: Please give me a brief summary of what your brothers and sister have pursued in their profession. I.e. if any of them has done science subjects just like you.
Ans:
My two sisters and two brothers have done accounts, one brother did Food Science and Technology, one sister did nursing, two sisters are teachers and my other two brothers do business.
Q: What is your greatest achievement in your career?
Ans:
What I consider as greatest achievement was participating as a researcher in waste water treatment project called Constructed wetlands and water stabilization ponds (CW and WSP) of the University of Dar es Salaam. With this research project, i was able to design a constructed wetland for wastewater treatment in Dar es Salaam.
Another achievement is a proposal I wrote requesting for USD 300, 000 funds for the CW and WSP project from Bio-Earn. And this proposal was selected for funding.
Q: How old are you?
Ans:
33 years old
Q: For how long have you been married?
Ans:
Six years
MATERNAL DEATHS
By Ireene Mukami
“I could not believe that giving birth could cost one’s life till it happened to my beloved sister-in-law” Said Agnes Karimi amid tears.
She continues, “It was on a Friday evening after sunset when I came home from my shamba which is almost 20 kilometres from home. I had strapped a bundle of firewood on my back which I had collected slowly by slowly as I tilled my land during the day.
No sooner had I settled in my house than my nephew came running and panting like a dog calling for help. I quickly dashed out and held his hand firmly. He could not talk since he was in shock. He had cried for a long time in silence before he lost his control and started screaming out loudly.
“My mum is dying. Please help.” That is what finally came out of his mouth. I hurriedly run to their home which was about a kilometre from my house. Just has her son had said, my sister-in-law had started labouring for the last three hours and nobody was around to help her.
She was in deep pain hence could not talk coherently. The solitary dispensary that could help us was 10 kilometres away and the only means of transport that was available was a donkey. I called other women who could render help in case of anything on the road and fortunately, an old grandmother who once was a traditional birth attendant followed us.
By the time we got a donkey cart to carry her, it was almost 9 at night. My sister-in-law, Patricia Mwendwa developed complications on our way to the hospital and she could not hold back the baby any longer. Her cervical had fully dilated and the baby started coming out. The experienced traditional birth attendant who had accompanied us helped her to deliver a healthy baby boy. We were all happy and Mwendwa was equally happy. Though tired, she could afford a smile at the sight of her son.
There was a nearby home where we scrounged a bow of porridge. We took it to Mwenda and she ate everything.
Mwendwa gained energy very fast and we chose to get back home given that it was raining and we were remaining with 7 kilometres before we get into the dispensary.
The following day, I woke up very early in the morning to find out how Mwenwda and her fourth born son were faring on. Since her husband was on a journey and her eldest son knew where their dad worked, Mwendwa and I sent him to convey the good news to his dad.
Mwendwa looked fine though she was bleeding profusely. I spent almost the whole day with her since she could not do anything on her own. But, as the day grew older, Mwendwa’s condition deteriorated and I suggested we go to the hospital.
We carried her on a bicycle and we got to Kibiru Dispensary where she was admitted together with her son. The nurses on duty cross examined her and they said that she had lost a lot of blood while delivering and she got infections too. Blood transfusion was to be done. At this point, we were taken to a word where blood transfusion was to be done and I could not believe what I saw with my eyes. It was at 10 in the morning. My sister-in-law called my name and requested me to support her to stand on her feet and she passed away in my hands while aiding her to stand up right as it was her wish.
Agnes Karimi who is also a mother of five and a peasant farmer is the one who takes care of the children Mwendwa left behind. Her mother is elderly and cannot manage to care for them.
“It is really challenging to care for a large family when you are a poor farmer. Still, I cannot leave them alone since their dad who works in a Jua Kali sector struggles day and night to look for their school fees and uniforms. They will tie him down and he won’t be able to provide for their basic needs.” Ms. Karimi said.
According to Dr Nancy Kidula, Obstetrician/Gynaecologist with the World Health Organization as the National Professional Officer in charge of Making Pregnancy Safer Unit., bleeding and infection following childbirth account for many maternal deaths, while preterm birth, asphyxia and severe infections contribute to two thirds of all neonatal deaths and appropriate care in the first hours and days after childbirth would prevent the great majority of these deaths.
“It is recommended that skilled health professionals attend all births, to assure the best possible outcome for both mother and newborn infant. A large proportion of women continue to lack such care and for Mwendwa’s case, that is what she lacked. Traditional birth attendants though have experience; they are not equipped with the right apparatus neither are they groomed with the best hygiene to carry out safe delivery.” Dr. Kidula said.
The gynaecologist further educated that poverty levels, poor roads and inaccessible roads contribute to high maternal deaths especially in developing countries.
“The fact that two thirds of maternal and newborn deaths occur in the first two days after birth, 5 to 8 testifies to the inadequacy of care.” She said
She further educated that care in the period following birth is critical not only for survival but also to the future of mothers and newborn babies adding that major changes occur during this period that determine their well-being and potential for a healthy future.
“In developed countries virtually all women and their infants receive postpartum and postnatal care, albeit the nature and frequency of this care varies considerably. In developing countries the need for care and support after birth was, until recently, less well recognized. Despite its importance, this period is generally the most neglected. Rates of provision of skilled care are lower after childbirth than during pregnancy or childbirth, even though both the risks for illness and the potential to improve longer-term outcomes are as great.” She said.
“There are few data on early postnatal care specifically in rural dispensaries, but clearly many women do not receive optimal care especially if they deliver with the help of the traditional birth attendants.” Ms. Nancy Mubwika, a midwife at Kibiru dispensary.
According to her, many women who give birth in facilities are discharged within hours after childbirth without any indication where they can obtain further care or support since the facilities cannot accommodate many people at once.
“Also, harmful health care practices are still prevalent and contribute to mortality. For example, care providers or institutions may not promote, protect and support early initiation of breastfeeding, and they may even delay or discourage breastfeeding, thus undermining successful exclusive breastfeeding.” Ms. Mubwika said
“I could not believe that giving birth could cost one’s life till it happened to my beloved sister-in-law” Said Agnes Karimi amid tears.
She continues, “It was on a Friday evening after sunset when I came home from my shamba which is almost 20 kilometres from home. I had strapped a bundle of firewood on my back which I had collected slowly by slowly as I tilled my land during the day.
No sooner had I settled in my house than my nephew came running and panting like a dog calling for help. I quickly dashed out and held his hand firmly. He could not talk since he was in shock. He had cried for a long time in silence before he lost his control and started screaming out loudly.
“My mum is dying. Please help.” That is what finally came out of his mouth. I hurriedly run to their home which was about a kilometre from my house. Just has her son had said, my sister-in-law had started labouring for the last three hours and nobody was around to help her.
She was in deep pain hence could not talk coherently. The solitary dispensary that could help us was 10 kilometres away and the only means of transport that was available was a donkey. I called other women who could render help in case of anything on the road and fortunately, an old grandmother who once was a traditional birth attendant followed us.
By the time we got a donkey cart to carry her, it was almost 9 at night. My sister-in-law, Patricia Mwendwa developed complications on our way to the hospital and she could not hold back the baby any longer. Her cervical had fully dilated and the baby started coming out. The experienced traditional birth attendant who had accompanied us helped her to deliver a healthy baby boy. We were all happy and Mwendwa was equally happy. Though tired, she could afford a smile at the sight of her son.
There was a nearby home where we scrounged a bow of porridge. We took it to Mwenda and she ate everything.
Mwendwa gained energy very fast and we chose to get back home given that it was raining and we were remaining with 7 kilometres before we get into the dispensary.
The following day, I woke up very early in the morning to find out how Mwenwda and her fourth born son were faring on. Since her husband was on a journey and her eldest son knew where their dad worked, Mwendwa and I sent him to convey the good news to his dad.
Mwendwa looked fine though she was bleeding profusely. I spent almost the whole day with her since she could not do anything on her own. But, as the day grew older, Mwendwa’s condition deteriorated and I suggested we go to the hospital.
We carried her on a bicycle and we got to Kibiru Dispensary where she was admitted together with her son. The nurses on duty cross examined her and they said that she had lost a lot of blood while delivering and she got infections too. Blood transfusion was to be done. At this point, we were taken to a word where blood transfusion was to be done and I could not believe what I saw with my eyes. It was at 10 in the morning. My sister-in-law called my name and requested me to support her to stand on her feet and she passed away in my hands while aiding her to stand up right as it was her wish.
Agnes Karimi who is also a mother of five and a peasant farmer is the one who takes care of the children Mwendwa left behind. Her mother is elderly and cannot manage to care for them.
“It is really challenging to care for a large family when you are a poor farmer. Still, I cannot leave them alone since their dad who works in a Jua Kali sector struggles day and night to look for their school fees and uniforms. They will tie him down and he won’t be able to provide for their basic needs.” Ms. Karimi said.
According to Dr Nancy Kidula, Obstetrician/Gynaecologist with the World Health Organization as the National Professional Officer in charge of Making Pregnancy Safer Unit., bleeding and infection following childbirth account for many maternal deaths, while preterm birth, asphyxia and severe infections contribute to two thirds of all neonatal deaths and appropriate care in the first hours and days after childbirth would prevent the great majority of these deaths.
“It is recommended that skilled health professionals attend all births, to assure the best possible outcome for both mother and newborn infant. A large proportion of women continue to lack such care and for Mwendwa’s case, that is what she lacked. Traditional birth attendants though have experience; they are not equipped with the right apparatus neither are they groomed with the best hygiene to carry out safe delivery.” Dr. Kidula said.
The gynaecologist further educated that poverty levels, poor roads and inaccessible roads contribute to high maternal deaths especially in developing countries.
“The fact that two thirds of maternal and newborn deaths occur in the first two days after birth, 5 to 8 testifies to the inadequacy of care.” She said
She further educated that care in the period following birth is critical not only for survival but also to the future of mothers and newborn babies adding that major changes occur during this period that determine their well-being and potential for a healthy future.
“In developed countries virtually all women and their infants receive postpartum and postnatal care, albeit the nature and frequency of this care varies considerably. In developing countries the need for care and support after birth was, until recently, less well recognized. Despite its importance, this period is generally the most neglected. Rates of provision of skilled care are lower after childbirth than during pregnancy or childbirth, even though both the risks for illness and the potential to improve longer-term outcomes are as great.” She said.
“There are few data on early postnatal care specifically in rural dispensaries, but clearly many women do not receive optimal care especially if they deliver with the help of the traditional birth attendants.” Ms. Nancy Mubwika, a midwife at Kibiru dispensary.
According to her, many women who give birth in facilities are discharged within hours after childbirth without any indication where they can obtain further care or support since the facilities cannot accommodate many people at once.
“Also, harmful health care practices are still prevalent and contribute to mortality. For example, care providers or institutions may not promote, protect and support early initiation of breastfeeding, and they may even delay or discourage breastfeeding, thus undermining successful exclusive breastfeeding.” Ms. Mubwika said
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