Parliamentary women caucus has advised Maasai women to shun retrogressive cultural practices that hinder girls from attaining high level of education to become professionals.
The eleven (12) county Members of Parliament (MP) spoke at Suswa Girls’ Secondary school during a forum dubbed ‘Wezesha mama, Inua Jamii’, that was hosted by Narok women representative Rebecca Tonkei and attended by thousands of women across the county.
The women MPs led by their chairperson Faith Gitau (Nyandarua) pleaded with women in Narok county to shun Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), early marriages and teenage pregnancy that deter girls from completing school.
“This county is blessed because you have a role model, Cabinet Secretary for Defence Soipan Tuya, who was born and raised up in this county. She beat all odds until she became a polished lawyer and now a cabinet secretary,” said Ms Gitau.
Murang’á women representative Betty Maina encouraged the women saying though they were struggling to live a decent life, they should protect their children from all social harm that hinder them from achieving their dreams.
She recalled how she was raised up in a humble background where they struggled for basics needs like food, clothes and education, yet she remained focused until she achieved her dreams.
“I was not brought up in a rich family, my parents really struggled to make ends meet, but they protected me from all form of harm. Now I have gone back to build them a house and improved their living standards,” she said.
Ann Muratha (Kiambu) challenged women to be responsible of their families by ensuring their children attended school, so that they can have a bright future.
Muratha challenged single women and widows not to bury their heads under the sand because of their status but instead wake up and work for the good of their families.
“Despite your condition, take your children to school and pay the little that you can, the rest do not mind because God will come in various forms like bursaries or well-wishers,” she said.
For the married women, she asked them to play their marital role properly so as to have stable and progressive families.
Cynthia Muge (Nandi) recalled that FGM was common in the old days but due to civilisation, people have embraced education which is more rewarding.
“The world is changing hence there are some retrogressive cultures that we have to abandon in the modern days. I challenge women to champion for the education of their girls,” she said.
Others pressent were Narok Governor’s wife Agnes Ntutu, Leah Sankaire (Kajiado), Umulkheri Kassim (Mandera), Naomi Waqo (Marsabit), Beatrice Adagala (Vihiga), Pauline Lenguris (Samburu), Liza Chelule (Nakuru) and Beatrice Kemei (Kericho).
During the event, Mrs Tonkei issues Sh7.744 million bursaries to vulnerable children, donated ten tanks (each 5, 000 litres) and five tents with a capacity to hold 100 people each, to the women groups.
At the same time, the women leaders called on the residents to support and pray for President William Ruto as he develops the nation.
The team focuses on women empowerment, inclusivity and unity in line with the Kenya Kwanza administration agenda of Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
By Ann Salaton
