• The films are a collection of seven short documentaries produced by seven Kenyan female film-making teams.
• They capture the challenges women leaders face in a patriarchal society while showcasing their unwavering determination to excel in leadership positions.
Image: GLADYS WANGA/TWITTER
Filamu za Akina Dada Uongozini is set to premiere this Thursday at the National Museum of Kenya, Nairobi.
The films are a collection of seven short documentaries produced by seven Kenyan female film-making teams.
Seven female leaders are featured in the documentaries, which were filmed against the backdrop of the 2022 general elections.
The filmmakers bring to life the challenges these resilient women went through trying to navigate their path to leadership excellence.
They followed their captivating journey around the country and in their respective counties as they vigorously campaigned to earn votes from the masses.
The seven women leaders featured hail from various parts of the country and currently hold different positions, ranging from assistant chiefs to women representatives and governors.
Filamu za Akina Dada Uongozini is an initiative by Media Focus on Africa, the Kenya Film Commission, the Women in Film Awards, and other partners dedicated to amplifying the voices of female leaders in Kenya with the aim of reshaping the general perceptions of and on women in leadership through the lens.
The films also highlight what pushed some of them to run for office, the challenges they had to overcome, and the difficulties Kenyans go through trying to gain access to their leaders.
While narrating her past when she was forcibly circumcised, Senior Assistant Chief Caroline Ncharo from Kajiado asked herself:
"Who is the chief of this area? Whom will I run to when the Chief's own daughters are circumcised?"
In a previous interview, Ncharo revealed she was already a mother of three at the age of 20.
During her early years in politics, she said men were opposed to her appointment. The late Joseph Nkaissery, then Kajiado MP, always came to her defence.
"Men would flock to his office and ask him where he let a woman be in a leadership position. How will a married woman have time to leave her house to serve the community?" she said.
Ncharo has been at the forefront of campaigning against female genital mutilation and early marriages in her community.
In 2010, she was awarded the Champion for Justice by the International Justice Mission.
She says the clash between law and culture has been a big hindrance to fighting such vices.
"Where there is culture and the law is introduced, conflict will arise."
In her part, nominated MP Sabina Chege says:
"Unless it's a calling, do not attempt politics".
Women Rep. Mumina Gollo Bonaya asserts that education is what equalizes the poor and the rich.
The seven documentaries to premiere are:
"The Force Within" by Ashley Murugi and Joan Kabugu: Hon. Cecily Mbarire (Governor, Embu County)
"Ma-itu" by Sally Ngoiri and Joan Rispa Kiragu: Hon. Sabina Chege (nominated MP)
"Etomononi Nagol" by Cynthia Abdallah and Ivy Kagai/Skeeter Imisa: Caroline Ncharo (Asst. Chief Kajiado)
"GENOWA" by Sandra Ruong'o and Wendy Kirorei: Hon. Gladys Wanga (Governor, Homabay County)
"The Nomad's Daughter" by Gumato Denge and Aisha Hussein: Hon. Mumina Gollo Bonaya (Woman Rep. Isiolo County)
"Cheptikonyool" by Miriam Koske and Cherotich Kibet: Hon. Cynthia Muge Rotich (MP Nandi)
"DONYA” Voice of the People"—Irene Mukonyoro and Debra Ngeru: Hon. Donya Dorice Aburi (MP Kisii)