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
FISTULA
By Venter Mwongera
Meet Margerate Kambua with her face full of radiance. She is elderly but elegantly composed to conceal what she has been through for 46 years.
Born 76 years ago in Kitui District, Ms. Kambua became a family person when she was 24 years old. Little did she know what lay ahead of her life’s journey.
As traditions dictated, Kambua was to sire children to ensure continuity of human kind in her community. She delivered four children but unfortunately when she was siring her last born child, she had prolonged labour pains.
Amid delivering, she developed complications which later led to uncontrollable urination, mixing of urine and feaces and eliminating them through her vagina. A condition the doctors call Vesco-Vagina Fistula (VVF).
She said: “During those days, technology was not like today. We used to deliver at home with the help of a traditional birth attendant. There were no theaters to help in case of any complication.”
Kambua said that although her health condition changed, she was deeply pained by the fact that she lost her child during delivery. “I was and I have always been optimistic that my health status would go back to normal. But, how about my baby? Will it resurrect?”
Kambua‘s grand-daughter who has been aiding her to get treatment say, “My grandma is a strong woman though she is lonely. Her friends shunned her when they noticed that she could not control her urine flow and had a filthy smell always.”
The grand-daughter, Ms. Mbithe said that it has been an expensive venture for the family to seek health care for their grandmother.
“We have visited Kitui District Hospital where her first operation was done but it failed. We took her to Jamaa Hospital in Buruburu but the problem could not be rectified until when we learnt about the VVF clinic in Kenyatta.” She said.
Ms Mbithe said that her grandmother has undergone one corrective surgery in KNH in March this year but because of the long period at which the problem has been in the body; the age of Kambua and her health management is some of the factors that are leading to failure of the operation to be effective.
“I am really happy for the Diplomatic Spouses Association and the Flying Doctors for taking care of all the hospital bills for people like me to restore our smiles on our faces. In June last year, I underwent another surgery in VVF Clinic in KNH for free and I can now control my urine flow.” Ms. Kambua said amid tears of joy.
Ms. Elizabeth Kanuthu knows vividly what it means to have Vasico-Vagina Fistula.
The mother of 2 children is now jubilantly narrating how her life was full of misery one and half years ago. But now, she says, “Life is now worth living.”
At a young age of 34, when she was giving birth to her second born, she was delivering in a hospital in Nyandarua District, South Kinangop where she hails from.
He said, “I labored for more than 24 hours. During my pregnancy period, I attended all the anti natal checkups and the doctor who was attending to me always said that the baby that I was carrying was too big.”
Ms. Kinuthu said that there was no point to deliver through caesarean section since she delivered her first child normally.
Lack of good hospitals with all the equipments and poverty are some of the factors that Kinuthu attributes to what accelerated to Vesco-Vagina Fistula.
“I run a simple grocery that guarantee food on the table for my family and my husband is in Jua kali industry. We could not afford money to get better medical attention in private hospitals.” Ms. Kinuthu said.
The mother of two said that many are the afflictions she got from friends and the people she thought she would count on incase of any problem. “When my friends learnt that I had VVF, they all turned against me and the news spread like wild fire. They used to call me a ‘dirty woman’ who is a pig.”
Ms. Kinuthu is one of the beneficiaries of Vesico Vagina Fistula clinic based in KHN. She had a corrective surgery done in March 2010 for free and now she is fully healed.
She called on all women to come out in large numbers to the KNH VVF clinic to enjoy free life saving services she has enjoyed and start enjoying life like other healthy women.
According to Dr. Isika A. K, a registrar in Kenyatta National Hospital Vesico Vagina Fistula clinic, there are many women who are facing this problem and the numbers are increasing on daily basis.
She further said that poverty and delivering at an early age of between 17- 21years is a key contributor because at an early age; the pelvis is too small to deliver the baby. Hence this can lead to a tear of the bladder due to much pressure put on it.
Dr. Isika said: “If the patient develops obstructed labour during birth and there is no qualified healthcare personnel during this period, this can lead to much pressure on the cervical which can create a ‘whole’ or abnormal connection between the urinary bladder and the vagina. This condition is called VVF.”
Meet Margerate Kambua with her face full of radiance. She is elderly but elegantly composed to conceal what she has been through for 46 years.
Born 76 years ago in Kitui District, Ms. Kambua became a family person when she was 24 years old. Little did she know what lay ahead of her life’s journey.
As traditions dictated, Kambua was to sire children to ensure continuity of human kind in her community. She delivered four children but unfortunately when she was siring her last born child, she had prolonged labour pains.
Amid delivering, she developed complications which later led to uncontrollable urination, mixing of urine and feaces and eliminating them through her vagina. A condition the doctors call Vesco-Vagina Fistula (VVF).
She said: “During those days, technology was not like today. We used to deliver at home with the help of a traditional birth attendant. There were no theaters to help in case of any complication.”
Kambua said that although her health condition changed, she was deeply pained by the fact that she lost her child during delivery. “I was and I have always been optimistic that my health status would go back to normal. But, how about my baby? Will it resurrect?”
Kambua‘s grand-daughter who has been aiding her to get treatment say, “My grandma is a strong woman though she is lonely. Her friends shunned her when they noticed that she could not control her urine flow and had a filthy smell always.”
The grand-daughter, Ms. Mbithe said that it has been an expensive venture for the family to seek health care for their grandmother.
“We have visited Kitui District Hospital where her first operation was done but it failed. We took her to Jamaa Hospital in Buruburu but the problem could not be rectified until when we learnt about the VVF clinic in Kenyatta.” She said.
Ms Mbithe said that her grandmother has undergone one corrective surgery in KNH in March this year but because of the long period at which the problem has been in the body; the age of Kambua and her health management is some of the factors that are leading to failure of the operation to be effective.
“I am really happy for the Diplomatic Spouses Association and the Flying Doctors for taking care of all the hospital bills for people like me to restore our smiles on our faces. In June last year, I underwent another surgery in VVF Clinic in KNH for free and I can now control my urine flow.” Ms. Kambua said amid tears of joy.
Ms. Elizabeth Kanuthu knows vividly what it means to have Vasico-Vagina Fistula.
The mother of 2 children is now jubilantly narrating how her life was full of misery one and half years ago. But now, she says, “Life is now worth living.”
At a young age of 34, when she was giving birth to her second born, she was delivering in a hospital in Nyandarua District, South Kinangop where she hails from.
He said, “I labored for more than 24 hours. During my pregnancy period, I attended all the anti natal checkups and the doctor who was attending to me always said that the baby that I was carrying was too big.”
Ms. Kinuthu said that there was no point to deliver through caesarean section since she delivered her first child normally.
Lack of good hospitals with all the equipments and poverty are some of the factors that Kinuthu attributes to what accelerated to Vesco-Vagina Fistula.
“I run a simple grocery that guarantee food on the table for my family and my husband is in Jua kali industry. We could not afford money to get better medical attention in private hospitals.” Ms. Kinuthu said.
The mother of two said that many are the afflictions she got from friends and the people she thought she would count on incase of any problem. “When my friends learnt that I had VVF, they all turned against me and the news spread like wild fire. They used to call me a ‘dirty woman’ who is a pig.”
Ms. Kinuthu is one of the beneficiaries of Vesico Vagina Fistula clinic based in KHN. She had a corrective surgery done in March 2010 for free and now she is fully healed.
She called on all women to come out in large numbers to the KNH VVF clinic to enjoy free life saving services she has enjoyed and start enjoying life like other healthy women.
According to Dr. Isika A. K, a registrar in Kenyatta National Hospital Vesico Vagina Fistula clinic, there are many women who are facing this problem and the numbers are increasing on daily basis.
She further said that poverty and delivering at an early age of between 17- 21years is a key contributor because at an early age; the pelvis is too small to deliver the baby. Hence this can lead to a tear of the bladder due to much pressure put on it.
Dr. Isika said: “If the patient develops obstructed labour during birth and there is no qualified healthcare personnel during this period, this can lead to much pressure on the cervical which can create a ‘whole’ or abnormal connection between the urinary bladder and the vagina. This condition is called VVF.”
Saturday, 26 March 2011
MATERNA HEALTH
By Venter Mwongera
A Question and Answer Session with Dr. Nancy Kidula, Obstetrician/ Gynecologist and she is currently with the World Health Organisation as the National Professional Officer in charge of Making Pregnancy Safer Unit.
WOMEN MUST NOT DIE WHILE GIVING LIFE!
Pregnancy and the subsequent delivery of a child is in most cases a joyous occasion. It is considered by many people to be a natural event and therefore taken for granted. However, we now know that pregnancy and childbirth and their related complications are the most common cause of death and disability in women of childbearing age (15- 49yrs) in developing countries. In Kenya, the most common cause of admission into hospital for females is pregnancy, childbirth and their complications.
What is maternal mortality?
Maternal mortality is described as the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy or delivery from any cause related to or worsened by the pregnancy or its management.
What can cause death of the mother during pregnancy and childbirth?
In Kenya, most deaths of mothers during pregnancy and child birth are due to severe bleeding. After delivery a woman can die within two (2) hours if she bleeds excessively! Other common causes of death include high blood pressure (Hypertensive disease) in pregnancy; severe infection /sepsis especially after delivery; abortion related complications; and obstructed labor. Indirect causes of maternal mortality include HIV/AIDS, Malaria and anemia (lack of enough blood).
How frequently do mothers die?
Worldwide, a woman dies every minute from pregnancy related complications. In Kenya about 21 women die per day (approximately one every hour) as a result of pregnancy and childbirth. That is equivalent to a Nissan matatu crashing every day with pregnant women on board and all of them dying!
Can someone know if they will die from pregnancy?
Actually one cannot predict if it is them who will die as a result of the pregnancy or during childbirth.
How then can one prevent this bad event from happening?
Prevention of death from pregnancy and childbirth is quite simple.
Expectant women need to attend the antenatal clinic starting early before 4 months of pregnancy and make sure they attend clinic at least 4 times during the pregnancy period and as advised by the health worker. At this time, she will be checked and any problems diagnosed and treated early enough. Several tests will be taken and preventive measures and drugs provided. The woman will also be assisted to develop an individualized birth plan and trained on how to recognize danger signs during pregnancy.
It is also recommended that for the safety of the mother and baby, delivery should take place in a health facility and under the care of a trained professional.
Delivery by untrained personnel even though for some it may appear cheaper and more convenient has been associated with more deaths and disability.
After delivery, the mother and baby must be reviewed by a trained health provider within 48 hours of delivery (most deaths occur at this time). Any complications will be detected and treated in time.
Family planning saves life. Therefore for the safety of mother and baby, couples must plan how many children they will have, when to start the family, how to space the pregnancies, and when to stop child bearing. This will prevent the common problem of having children too early (before 18 years), too close together (recommended spacing is at least 2 years apart), too many (more than 4 pregnancies is risky for the mother’s health) and too late in life (above 35 years of age).
All these have been shown to increase the risk of death for both the mother and baby.
If women of child-bearing age and girls are to survive, then they have to delay pregnancy through use of contraceptives.
Research indicates that if adolescents delay pregnancy until after their 18th birthday, maternal mortality would significantly be reduced Spouses, families and communities must support the pregnant women by ensuring that they have adequate food, they rest enough, they have the funds and transportation to get them to the hospital in case of emergency, and they have the psychological support they need during and after pregnancy.
Everyone can contribute to this. Let us not allow women to continue to die while giving life!
Friday, 25 March 2011
Empowering girls through footbal
By Nkatha Mwongera
 |
| Daily awarding Judith Muhonja, the best player for the day |
“Empowering girls through football and other life defense activities is the best thing that can be done to control the spread of HIV/Aids in the low income earning families in the Districts, Nation and the World at large.” Said Tausi Mohamed, District Sports Officer in Langata/Dagoretti.
*Kanungu lived with her mother and had twenty-three brothers and sisters. Some of her siblings had completed school and others were still in school. Her father had four wives and he passed away in 1999. He was sick but many of her children didn’t know what was ailing him but Kanungu knew that her dad had HIV/Aids.
Her mother was the fourth wife and other wives each had fife children but her mother had eight children, all of whom were married. Three of Kanungu’s sisters had moved to their husband’s home but two of them had a disagreement with their husbands and had returned.
They had four mad and grass thatched whereby every wife would put up with her children. Kanungu had to walk for two hours to the tap to fetch water. They had two caws, sheep and four goats. Kanungu did the normal domestic chores at home, like collecting firewood, cooking, washing clothes and looking after her elderly mother.
She baked half cakes sold for one shilling and hides them in between her books just to sell them at break so that she would get money to buy her school uniforms, sanitary towels, books, pens, food for her mother and her self. Her mother sold the local brew and it was Kanungu who would go to buy it from where it was brewed and bring it home to her mother who sold it to her customers at home.
When it rains in Kyeni, it pours. But the long rains in 2008 were particularly heavy. During those rains three of the houses in Kanungu’s home were destroyed by the pounding rainfall and al the families were forced to stay in the other two houses.
One brother whose house fell down left the home altogether to go to Nairobi to stay with another relative.
Kanungu finished primary education in 2009 and her brother supported her to train in suit and dress making. She was planning to buy a sewing machine after the training and set up her own tailoring business to earn a living.
Eight years after Kanungu’s father passed away, the relatives quarreled with them and they were asked to vacate the compound. The elder brothers tried to plead with step siblings but it was in vain. The mother and the three daughters moved to Kanungu’s elder brother rental house in Nairobi who sheltered them for only three weeks after which his wife threw them out.
Having nowhere to go and with no form of income, they moved to slums in Nairobi and both the mother and the two sisters remarried out of destitution.
Life for Kanungu was too hard since she could not follow her mother’s example or sisters’ decisions to cling to any man for a plate of ugali. Her sister -in-law made it had for her brother to continue paying her fees.
Kanungu’s home gives a snapshot of the kind of situation a girl in any hardship or remote area in Kenya might find herself growing up in. It involves heavy domestic duties, helping to bring income to the family, parents surviving through tilling the land, brewing changaa or others involving themselves in prostitution and relying on older siblings who may have found employment away from the rural home in a town such as Meru, Embu or Nairobi.
While I am saying Kanungu’s story is representative of rural and slum girls who hail from low income earning homes, many live in a complex World where circumstances within the homestead of each girl are contrasting and unique. *Mary living with her brother, away from her dad; *Lucy with both parents, who eventually broke up; * Jeniffer moves from one parent to the other and back again, away from her home in quest for an education; *Clementine and *Evelyn both having had to cope with the loss of their mother, Lilian looking after her elderly parents; *Sylvia’s close relationship with her mother; and Judith heading the household while her mother, a grocer works in town.
There is no typical family set-up in all poor families especially amongst the urban poor, all girls have universal experiences. Domestic work, work in their land and assisting to bring income into the family, all jobs that girls are expected to do including selling their bodies off to any man who has money just to make sure that there is food on the table for their siblings or elderly parents in spite of high prevalence of HIV/Aids.
Most of these girls who have taken on football as a sport activity to keep them busy, as a networking place, as a talent nurturing activity and as an opener to greater or a decent lifestyle to earn a living through this activity come from families that are fragmented, crumbling under the strain of poverty and illness.
In the light of the above facts about girls, Anthony Daily, formed an alliance called The Bravilian Queens Association (BQA) to reduce the vulnerability of adolescent girls in Nairobi slums through football.
Daily who is the BQA Chairperson said, “Playing football challenges stereotypes, increases self confidence, and creates a social network. Importantly, integrated into BQA football activities is the teaching of life skills which includes assertiveness, knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and rights, financial planning, and entrepreneurship to these vulnerable girls.”
According to him, BQA was launched in November 2008 and it began as a football club for girls. He said, “Our members come from Kibera and Dagoretti in the west, and Muthare and Kariobangi in the east. We train at State House Girls High School field as it is centrally located and accessible from all areas of Nairobi. Majority of players come from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
He further added that empowerment of their members is their uppermost goal among their objectives and football and central to their activities, football has become an entry point to support poor teenage girls.
“The kind support of our sponsors, Safaricom, GTZ and VIHDA, has enabled us to start scaling up. Eight existing girls’ football teams in Dagoretti have affiliated with BQA. Selected members from each team have been trained on first aid, refereeing, coaching and peer education for life skills.” BQA Chairperson said.
Daily further brought to light that each affiliated team plays in a BQA league, and with time, would run junior teams, creating opportunities for older girls to develop leadership skills, and providing younger girls with mentors and role models within their community.
He said that there are about 200 girls currently benefiting from Bravilian Queens activities and community service will be mainstreamed into their activities.
“Adolescent girls in Nairobi slums face numerous challenges including unwanted pregnancy, HIV and STI infection, malnutrition, and gender based violence. In the Nairobi slums and low income earning families in rural areas, nearly 40% of girls under 15 say their best friend is sexually active. Age of sexual debut is 3 years younger than the average in Kenya and the number of multiple sexual partners in Nairobi slums is 3 times higher than rural girls. HIV prevalence in Nairobi is above the estimated 7.4% national average, with young women being 4 times as likely as young men to be infected.” Daily, the founder and Director of BQA stated.
He said that girls also have to cope with traditionally deep rooted gender inequalities linked to gender based violence and financial disempowerment, hence, they need to be helped to overcome this inequalities.
“Financial transactions relating to sex are common. 43% of adolescent girls in Nairobi slums say their first sexual encounter was coerced, 24% say it was forced. Among 15-17 year olds, 19% have begun childbearing, more than twice the national average. Research has identified unwanted pregnancies and the associated problems of abortion and infanticide as critical in Nairobi and in poor setups. But, data are scarce as abortion is illegal except to save the mother’s life. Data suggests limited parental success in modeling positive life styles for their children due to poverty. Unfortunately broken homes are the norm for many adolescents who increase vulnerability and high spread of HIV/Aids amongst young girls.” He emphasized.
To address these vulnerabilities, he said, “girls need access to formal education and additional knowledge and skills to create livelihood strategies and avoid high risk sexual behaviours; they need realistic life objectives to give purpose and direction, as well as opportunities to access resources. As the Bravilian Queens programme develops, it will include: Provide scholarships, both football scholarships to the US and scholarships to local schools; Life skills education involving reproductive health and rights, goal setting, assertiveness, critical thinking, financial and savings education and entrepreneurship; work experience and access to microfinance.”
According to Anthony Daly, Chairperson, BQA partner with specialist organizations when needed. For example, AMREF supports our life skills activities in order to maximize comparative advantage and promote and improve the lives of girls who are vulnerable.
According to Ms. Josephine Mwangi from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, “Girls and boys are equally created by God and any sport activity that they feel like participating to boost their self esteem and reduce vulnerability to all sorts of vices in the society, the ministry will and would always support them as we have been doing in the past.”
*Not their real names
By 'cutting' me, my mother killed my dignity
By Venter Mwongera
The landscape is all green, hilly and a few clouds of smoke are seen at a distance. In the densely populated countryside, the fields are covered with green vegetations beneath the tall miraa (Khat) trees whose appearance resemble canopies of tropical rain forests in Latin America.
The houses are sparsely distributed and despite the fact that there are huge miraa plantations in these areas, many of the houses found here are muddy and are grass thatched. In most of the families in Ntonyiri Location, Meru County in Eastern Province; on average, every household has at least ten children.
The economic activity for people in Ntonyiri is miraa farming and this is their ‘gold’. In a day, one can fetch around fifty thousand on average hence they attach high value on their miraa plantations. The fencing is too tight such that even a passer-by cannot harvest a single straw of miraa to keep his mouth busy as they go about their businesses.
Ntonyiri is well known for its richness in miraa since it has the loamy soils which are wealthy in nutrients and are best suited for this crop to thrive well.
As I cover around 5 kilometers to the interior parts of this place, I am overwhelmed by the serenity and the beauty of the area. I can’t explain how time has flown because my watch reads 2.00pm. I alighted from the matatu within their terminals at 9: 00 am to cover a short distance to meet my interviewee.
Meet Ms. Doris Kaari, a slender, chocolate face with deep dimples on her chins along with well cropped hair and a smiling face. Her dependable smile conceals a lot of frustrations that Kaari has been through.
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| Ms. Doris Kaari, who was circumcised by her own mother |
Kaari shows me her hut where I sit inside to give her time to prepare and grant me an interview. Her room is well decorated with newspapers and magazines with different prominent people but when you study them keenly, each page has an educative or informative message.
When Kaari finally comes in, I ask her, who was pinning these newspapers and magazines on your house walls? She blushes and answers, “It’s me. I enjoy reading and when I come across any material that inspires me, I put it on the wall so that I can read it more often.”
We finally settle for an interview and she narrates to me her story amid tears.
“It was in 1998 early one morning when my mum took away my joy, peace and my self esteem.” She takes her handkerchief out of her skirt and wipes away drops of tears which were flowing on her smooth face like a water fall.
This really makes me nervous and I inquire from her if its ok we continue with the interview or we reschedule. She composes herself and confirms to me that she is fine we can carry on with the interview.
“I hid here as a small girl in August 5th, 1998 to elude female genital mutilation,” she says, pointing through the thick underbrush of the Ntonyiri forest, her quiet voice almost drowned by the swaying of huge miraa trees, “I was 5 and I remember we would have bags on our backs, we could carry sometimes 10 liters jerrican of water, sometimes 15, and we would throw them behind our back.” She demonstrates, crouching in the red dust and shuffling backward.
“Sometimes my mother could be so close we couldn’t even rest on our way home – we would just carry on with heavy cans and keep going. If we were too slow we would, you know, be punished seriously,” she says as she squints one eye.
“Sometimes my mother could be so close we couldn’t even rest on our way home – we would just carry on with heavy cans and keep going. If we were too slow we would, you know, be punished seriously,” she says as she squints one eye.
It was a cold morning and my mother gathered her sisters and my elder sisters to come and witness her barbaric acts on me. I had hardly taken my breakfast and there was no room for informing me what they had planned for me.
One of my aunties grabbed me with her two hawk hands as my sisters watched calmly at our scene as it was unfolding. My resistance was futile because my aunt’s energy overpowered me.
I didn’t know that my mother was a circumciser till it happened to me. Without wasting much time, my sisters and other aunties unstrapped my skirt and shorts. My mum with her crude knife tore my inner wear and circumcised me.
I could not really tell how it was done but it was at a lightning speed. I only saw blood flowing down my legs and heard ululations from the people who had come to witness my mother’s wickedness.
I was locked in the house for two weeks being fed like a small baby and during all these days, the guardians that I was with in the house never mentioned anything about schooling but their hot topic was getting betrothed to an elderly man who was rich and would bring wealth to my family.
By the time my mother and my elder sisters had decided to circumcise me, they had already found a man in his sixties to marry me off when i get to 7 years.
When I learnt about these little secrets, I could not help but I cried most of the time and I stuck with my education.
My people chose to frustrate me all through. Any time I came home for lunch after school, I could not meet any food left for me. My mother could unashamedly tell me that I should not waste time in school but instead get married to the man of their choice who had many herds of cows, big miraa plantations and would afford to take care of me.
Any money that was supposed to be paid to the school was a thorn in my flesh since this meant that I work extra harder to get it.
Day in day out was a struggle for me. I sneaked my school uniforms and books out of the house without my mother’s knowledge and during evenings, I would fetch water and firewood all alone as a form of punishment because I adamantly went to school. During weekends, I would clean clothes to earn a few shillings to buy books, pens, uniforms and pay activity fee since it was a requirement for all pupils in our school to pay.
Occasionally, I could even dig other people’s shamba to finance my education.
By God’s grace, I struggled all through primary education and I managed to score 325 out of the possible 500 marks. I could not afford to pay for my secondary education.
I talked to my brother-in-law about my problems and he was happy with my performance despite the many challenges I had faced along the way.
Being a matatu driver, he couldn’t raise a lot of money to pay my secondary school fees but he made arrangements with the school authority on how he would be clearing my fees.
In February 2008, I enrolled in Maua Girls High School and as fate would have it, during April holidays the same year, my sponsor got involved in a head on collision with a miraa vehicle and he passed away before he got to Maua General Hospital.
That marked the end of my studies and my ambitions of being a lawyer one day were buried together with my brother-in-law.
My life took a new twist and my parents’ prayers for my marriage were almost successful. My dad drunk with other old men and received many goodies in the name of cementing my relationship with them as their wife.
I could not give up on education so easily. My only sister who sympathized with my situation is a grocer and she could not raise my school fees and provide for her children since she was now a widow.
I made up my mind not to concede to their plans and I have been working in different houses as a house help just to raise money to educate myself.” Kaari concludes.
Kaari is only one example of how female genital mutilation is being used to frustrate the efforts of girl child in pursuance of education.
Despite of the many anti- FGM campaigns by the governments beginning in early 1990s and a number of large NGO clearance projects, there are still millions of girls trapped by such practices throughout the countryside.
These perilous practices especially concentrated amongst the Abagusii, Maasai, Marakwet, Pokots, Ameru; can result in many deaths in a day countrywide. The majority of today’s FGM victims are children who are below 10 years who cannot make decisions on their own and who often rely on their parents to make decisions for them despite pervasive female cut risk education campaigns.
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