International Women’s Day is celebrated in several countries to mark the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. On this day, as women, we remember the struggles that we face and honor the accomplishments we have made.
Shalom participates in YTF’s Wezesha Digital Village and is 16 years old. Today, she is celebrating her mother’s efforts to help her and her siblings achieve their goals as she struggles to achieve hers in a balancing act that only takes courage and brevity.
Bilambo
Shalom’s mother, Bilambo, lost her husband a few years ago leaving her to raise three children. She has relentlessly done this to ensure decent food, clothing and a roof over their heads. Bilambo is originally from Congo, a war stricken country. This hard working woman, who had many odds working against her, could not land a white collar job or employment because she was not formally educated in the school system. She decided to go into business for herself, selling a African fabric and later added jewelry in her stock to increase profits. She has done this for years though her efforts have not gone without struggle. Being the sole provider, she has witnessed as her children have gone on to high school and even university in cases where children have dropped out of school.
Shalom and her siblings are very lucky and happy children. They are emotionally, physically and socially healthy. The journey may be hard but the fruits surpass the efforts. A woman will never give up; she will work all the way to build for her children.
Kanini
Kanini is a business owner. She owns a general store that specializes in household items. Her journey is an inspiration. She gained strength from a bad situation; a man who abandoned her when he learnt of her pregnancy leaving to fend for herself and the baby. Then she had been helping a family for over 8 years earning a monthly salary of Shs. 10,000 only.
She bought some little stock and paid her rent in a little slum area in Kenya with funds she borrowed from her family. That is how her journey to independence and prosperity began. Now she has increased her sizable stock to more than Shs.100, 000. Her son is now in school and she rents a home. She plans to develop her small business into a supermarket. She reckoned that her son keeps her going. “Women deserve to be given equal opportunities to be able to show case our abilities because we are strong and able”, she said.
Laura Wambui is a project coordinator, Gender and ICTs at YTF’s Wezesha Digital Village in Kenya. She is inspired by working with young people who want to own their life and use technology for good. You can follow Laura on twitter @laurawambuik
