I turned 23 years old last week (OMG!!! I can’t believe am almost 25) and it was amazing being celebrated by my friends and family. Birthdays have always had a way of reminding me, who has my back and who doesn’t. In our house we mostly have birthday dinners that involve cutting ugali -which we imagine is an actual cake-and call it a day. When we finished having some “cake” my mum being a “mama kanisa” asked me to read Proverbs 13:20 and for it to guide me throughout this New Year in my life.
Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” In other words, hang with the winners.
This bible verse got me thinking, and I decided to show the women in my life some love. These women inspire me and shape my life in a positive way. It could be through their writing, their words, community service or just because they’re an important part of my life.
Neomi Nganga
I have always had issues with being the “biggest person” in the room since I was young girl. Now that am older I have learnt to embrace my body for all its flaws. Neomi Nganga has played a role in helping me get there, through her body positive posts on social media. Her posts often embrace body image positivity, courage and confidence.
Lucy Kapkirwok
Lucy is a socialpreneur who provides an innovative, low-cost solution to menstrual management in poor communities. She provides an essential commodity for the girl child in marginalized communities. Through her company she manufactures affordable and accessible sanitary pads cum pants. Her initiative is an inspiration as it allows thousands of girls to attended school all year round in Kenya.
Sharon Adisa
There are so many words that can be used to describe my first boss in the corporate world. But these three words are on top of my list; ambitious, visionary and passionate. Sharon Adisa has been able to manage and build different ventures from the ground up. She is currently the Managing Director at KenDesk Digital and the founder of Shaboard, a women and girls empowerment social enterprise, of which this blog is part of. She is one person who has encouraged me and has helped me build courage in the writing space. And for that I will forever be grateful. She is a sister, a friend and a mentor.
Phenny Awiti
Phenny Awiti is a 25 year old single mother of two who is living with HIV. Phenny is a true epitome of strength after having faced rejection from society for having contacted HIV and has had to cope with the pain of a failed marriage. Awiti has however boldly taken up the mantle of raising her kids and offers hope to other people through her social media platforms. Her story tells you that no matter the situation you can overcome it.
All the women in my family
First of all, hats off, to my mother for being an extraordinary woman. My sister, aunts, cousins and my mom have taught me so much about what it means to be a woman in the world. They were the first example of many facets of motherhood. They have taught me everything I need to know about life.
Janet Mbugua
Media personality Janet Mbugua is a Menstrual Health Management advocate, and is always looking for ways to empower women and children. She recently launched her first book titled My First Time. The book majorly talks about the stigma around menstruation. She is also at the forefront pushing for better menstrual hygiene and the abolishment of taxes on menstrual hygiene products such as sanitary towels.
Akothee
The very controversial singer has been able to make a name for herself in Kenya and Africa. Being a single mother of 5 she has proved that anyone can work her way to the top. Her posts on social media are a breath of fresh air, as she often says it as it is.
Wawira Njiru
Njiru founded Food 4 Education initiative at just 20 years old. Her initiative caters to a basic right that some children unfortunately don’t have access to. Through her initiative she ensures she distributes nutritious meals to 2000 school-going children from poor backgrounds in Ruiru.
Oprah
She is not Kenyan but she an inspiration to me and so many people. Oprah has been able to build one of the biggest empires in the world on her own. And she is all about spreading love, care and generosity worldwide. I mean, she built a school for girls AND gave away like 200 cars!
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