Kenya’s Heroic Women
- Rebecca Michael
- Jan 6, 2017
- 2 min read
Bottum: Chelagat Mutai, Top-right: Micere Githae Mugo, Top-left: Wangari Maatha
Kenya has seen tumultuous times and dark days. The country we call home today was shaped by women of courage. It took (despite all odds stacked against them) people who made personal sacrifices to birth the freedom we take for granted today.
The hard won freedom I speak of, had many nationalists fighting for it. At the core were women who gave their all for us to be free today. History tells me not to forget Chelagat Mutai (RIP). She was at the forefront, she was a thorn, she was sharp and stood against the authoritarian regimes of Kenyatta (RIP) and Moi.
What’s an Icon?
Chelagat Mutai stood for her principles and values even though it meant disagreeing with the traditions of her tribe and, at the time, the male chauvinism that did not allow for a woman’s voice to be heard.
I would be committing a cardinal sin forgetting Prof. Micere Githae Mugo. She too could not stand the oppression that was in Kenya. She fought tooth and nail for this nation. Ultimately, she had to go into exile. However, before she fled, she left a lasting mark that I believe will be forever etched in Kenyan history.
Nobel laureate Prof. Wangari Maathai (RIP) was an Iconic woman. Her achievements are acknowledged world over. She fought for the environment with unwavering resolve. She lived, breathed and radiated the urgent need, to conserve our environment. Prof. Wangari Maathai will forever be remembered for her fight to conserve Karura forest.
Daughters of this land, the named ladies had the guts to stand up for this nation. They are not the last. Kenya needs more women who have the will to give it all for her. Our motherland needs more women who can fight for her.
As we raise our daughters, let’s empower them to believe that they can achieve anything. Our daughters need to be reminded of how powerful they are. And that each of us can contribute positively to Kenya’s growth and leadership.
Women of my motherland, we can, yes, if we set our hearts upon it, we can change our nation. It is not war; it is a resolve that from deep within our hearts sounds like dancing to our long forgotten music. The music of being a Kenyan woman.
The resounding beat of Mwomboko, Isukuti, Kilumi among others. A conquering woman, that woman who will break the glass ceiling Michelle Obama spoke about.
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