Varsity joins the World in marking International Women’s Day 2024
The University of Nairobi, through Women Students Welfare Association (WOSWA) in partnership with Eshe joined the rest of the world in marking the International Women’s Day on Friday 8th March 2024. The theme for this year’s commemoration was ‘Invest in Women, accelerate progress’. The International Women’s Day is celebrated March each year since 1910.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama who was represented by Prof. Mary Kinoti noted that, ‘The University of Nairobi is alive to the need for gender empowerment so as to create a just society where access to opportunities is not determined by one’s gender orientation. As a higher learning institution, the University of Nairobi, continues to develop and implement policies that promote gender parity and equality so that we give everybody a chance to excel. The enabling environment has allowed female students in this University to campaign and win any position of leadership that they desire and deserve.’
Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor of Great Lakes University, Prof. Hazel Mumbo who represented the Chief Guest H.E Betty Ida Odinga emphasized that women should be more educated and more empowered because they are the catalysts of positive change in homes and societies around the globe.
In addition, she reiterated that investments to end Gender Based Violence(GBV) should be prioritized to enable women and young girls access justice and security for them to enjoy freedom and live with dignity. While education is a fundamental right, young girls and women are still experiencing barriers to access education opportunities with FGM and teenage pregnancies being key bottlenecks. She added that more scholarship funding for female students is very urgent. Prof. Mumbo encouraged young girls and women who attended the event to be professionals in whatever they do.
The CEO, Eshe Mobile Phone Application, Mr. Stas Che, while giving his remarks during the event explained in detail the mobile phone application, Eshe, how it works to boost women’s health care and wellness. “At Eshe, we are committed and working towards ensuring women and young girls have an instrument and platform to consult on health matters such as their menstrual cycle and menopause for health care and wellbeing to better their lives.’
The panel discussion session focused on the understanding of the International Women’s Day, the achievements, challenges and areas of improvement. The panelists were; Prof.Jane Kerubo, Kirinyaga University, Prof.Dorcas Sigana, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Ms. Mary Goretti, Department of Sociology, University of Nairobi and Ms. Tabitha, a Kenyan Youth and leader.
Others who spoke during the event were; Prof.Anne Aseey, WOSWA patron, Prof.Susan Chepkonga, University of Nairobi, UNSA president Ms. Monica Malith, Ms. Mary Ojwang, WOSWA team leader, Invited Universities Repsentatives, Invited High School Representatives, WOSWA University of Nairobi student Representative Ms. Mwende and Ms. Halima, Umma University.
