As a Loreto Sister working at Wanawake Kwa Wanawake Kenya (WFWIA/WkW) working with women and children in Kibera slum, the experience at the UN conference was incredibly valuable, motivating, and truly inspiring. I am deeply humbled and grateful to those who made it possible for me to participate in this informative and transformative event. As I came to the conference I carried in my heart the Kibera families and all the challenges they face living in extreme poverty, their resilience as well as stories of hope and success. My key takeaway from the conference was that Women’s rights are Human Rights. Educating a girl empowers the whole family.
It was a remarkable experience to sit alongside women and men from different parts of the world, all united in one voice- to make the world better for all. The conference provided an extraordinary space for listening, learning, building connections, and exchanging ideas. I return back home with renewed energy plus more determined than ever to advocate for policies that serve the needs of slum families.
The other highlight was the opportunity we got as nuns of different orders to share the work we do. I had the opportunity to amplify the voices of the Kibera community and share their story of their struggles, resilience as well as progress. It was a privilege to highlight the impactful work we do as WFWIA/WkW to empower the women and children of Kibera. Already facing extreme poverty, the women and girls in Kibera also face other numerous challenges. Access to education remains an elusive dream for many. However, we know—and have witnessed—that education transforms lives, especially for women and girls from marginalized communities.
Sitting in the conference rooms, listening to speaker after speaker discuss the challenges facing women and girls, was overwhelming. The problems seemed vast and complex. Yet, it was also uplifting to hear about the progress made in empowering women and girls. This gave me renewed hope that change is possible. During the sessions, my thoughts often turned to Mary Ward, the bold and courageous woman of the 16th and 17th centuries. Mary Ward believed in the transformative power of education and envisioned a future where “women, in time to come, will do much.” Her vision led to the establishment of schools for girls during a time when this was unthinkable. Her courage and determination were a source of inspiration for me as I reflected on the Kibera women and girls—living in poverty, enduring abuse at home and at work, facing domestic violence, discrimination, struggling to meet basic needs, climate change, and access to technology.
The conference motivated me to continue working to empower and improve the lives of Kibera families. It also renewed my hope that change, though challenging, is achievable. Inspired by Mary Ward’s courage and spirit of determination we will continue to work to uplift women and girls and strive for a more just world as Mary ward states Justice is that virtue which gives everyone their due” We shall continue the work of women’s empowerment and with Deidre Brown ibvm, we sing and pray “Lead us On Mary Ward.”
Author: Leonida Kwamboka Oriki ibvm, Executive Director – WFWIA/WkW and IBVM/CJ CSW69 Delegate
