IWD 2008

Features for the International Women's Day 2008

One Young Woman, Changed

Sara Nics

Mercy Moses is wandering the dusty roads of an estate on the edges of Eldoret. She’s fashionably dressed in a skirt, blouse, and long, white scarf. She greets friends in the road. Most are people she’s known for most of her 21 years.

As she walks through her neighborhood, she points to houses that were abandoned during the post-election violence. She gestures toward hills that are scorched black by the fires that razed Kikuyu shambas to the ground.

One child who wants Kibaki-Raila peace deal to succeed

Duncan Mboyah

For children in areas affected by the post-election violence, school is one area they would avoid if they had an option.

Stories coming from the affected areas indicate that children are being subjected to tribal slurs and persecution for belonging to certain communities.

Woman's spirit that defies the odds

Joyce Chimbi

Giving birth to her first child was the most memorable moment in Tabitha Akinyi’s life.

Despite her difficult pregnancy, the moment she held baby Musingo in her arms, she new she wanted to have a second child, maybe even more.

Even though Akinyi’s dream of having another child is only two weeks away, the 24 year old says this is a pregnancy she wishes she had postponed.

Boda Boda men seek sexual favours from displaced women

Judy Waguma

Angelina Akeyo, a counsellor at the St. Stephens ACK IDP camp in Kisumu

As people count the losses brought about by the aftermath of the disputed general elections, young men in Siaya are taking advantage of the situation.

They are stalking displaced women who have traveled from Naivasha, Nakuru and other parts of Central province promising them heaven in return of sexual favours.

Those being targeted by these young men, especially the boda boda men, are widows and young girls.

“It is horrifying what people are doing in the pretext that they want to help the women and children,” laments Angelina Akeyo, a counselor at the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), an internally displaced persons camp in Kisumu, Nyanza Province.

Conflict brings out the strength of woman

Joyce Chimbi

The festive season meant booming business for Agnes Waithera who sells food in the residential estates in Kiambu town.

This is a business that the 44 years old mother of six, has mastered over many years enabling her to cultivate a solid following among her clientele.

But the unmatched violence that rocked the country, after the general elections results were announced, has brought her business to its knees.

The recent signing of the Peace Deal between President Mwai Kibaki and ODM Chair, Raila Odinga signals the dawn of a new chapter for Kenya and for her.

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