By Fridah Okachi

As the world commemorates International women’s day, Dagoretti residents joined other parts of Kenyan women in celebrating the day. The celebrations were held at Riruta satellite shopping center. It was organized by change creatives, Linda Katiba, Samkin foundation amnesty international among other organization. More than 300 women joined the world to celebrate the day.

This year’s theme is breaking the bias. In Dagoretti Esther Kawira took an initiative to teach the residents how to report gender based violence. She also illustrate how intimidating the situation is with rising numbers of GBV associated with Covid 19, Drug abuse, financial constrains among others. Esther said, “Three Kenyan females has experienced an episode of sexual violence before attaining the age of 18 while between 39% and 47% of Kenyan women experience GBV in their lifetime.

“We decided has Riruta women we should come together; so that we can celebrate the day and the win of the women in this country and this will make us to understand how gender based violence affect us daily from mama mboga, wife, sister. Sexual harassment, overworking and not been known in government sector without leaving how parents are very strict on girls compared to boys on time’’.

Teresia Wanjiku a mother of two. She is living with disability. She said she is happy to celebrate the day. She lamented that female living with disability have been undergoing GBV.
“Today is a good day for as but we don’t know where to report rape cases and other gender based violence happens to us. We can’t defend ourselves because no one listen to us, my wish is people involved should listen to us and any case handled should be done properly’’.

Jecinta Adhiambo a resident of Ngando area was so happy to attend and to learn that gender based violence can be done by a relative and have a right to report. “I came here knowing gender based violence is about beating but if I stay with a relative who mistreats me, violet my rights I can report him or her to the respective authority.”
Issue of leadership also came out where residents were urged to elect a person who has vision that goes hand in hand with their expectations in the next coming general elections.
Jane Wambui championed for election of a female representative in the August house.
“For a long time I have been electing leaders according to the party but come 2022 August am going to choose a leader who will work for me’’. Said Wambui.

Dagoretti south aspiring Member of Parliament Grace Mikinya Lobo and her counterpart Njambi Koikai joined the other women. During the meeting Mikinya vowed that during this electioneering period she will no longer engage herself into a fight with the current Dagoretti south Member of Parliament.
“Today is our day; I won’t campaign but one thing I want to say I won’t engage to any fights with those in the position’’.

Media personality Mary Njambi koikai, has decided to present Dagoretti south residents. She vowed to bring a change to the residence of Dagoretti south, “Health issues on women has been the main factor to the residents of Dagoretti who cannot access medicine at Riruta health center and I had a long struggle with endometriosis that affects women here, because scientist shows that out of 10, two women are diagnosed with endometriosis. With such condition women can’t come out to speak about it and because am eyeing for the seat I will help women on that. Sanitary towels have also been a challenge to our women in this residence.” Said Koikai.