When women are silenced, we deny them their human rights, we subject them to harmful cultural practices, make decisions about their lives and objectify them.
As we celebrate International Women’s day on Tuesday, I choose to challenge societal norms, beliefs, religious stands and cultures on not creating a conducive and better environment for girls and women in all their diversities to thrive.
To thrive in schools through access to menstrual health management information, products and services that enable women and girls to stay in school and equally learn like their male counterparts.
Remember menstruation is a natural bodily process and should be emulated by all. This issue is increasing the inequalities that a lot of girls and women go through in their lifetime.
Let us all remember that menstruation does not stop for pandemics.
To thrive in boardrooms as they use their voice and power to influence and change social, political, economic and health issues that have been seen and witnessed.
To stand up and speak against gender roles. Let's fight patriarchal systems.
They should not be forced by religious and cultural beliefs and practices.
This is causing a lot of domestic and sexual violence.
They should thrive in leadership and governance positions where they are better placed to speak and address women’s reproductive health issues.
They deserve access to comprehensive reproductive health care and services.
Women should equally enjoy their money, they work for it.
We need to challenge these norms and not normalise them, they are discriminating against women globally.
Women in Kenya and the world deserve an equal future.
Although we have seen inequalities around them, women are standing up, speaking out, using their voice to influence and are needed at all tables where decisions are being made. We need more women leaders.
Women’s rights are not special, they are human rights.
Empowering women starts from our homes, not in policy and political spaces.
Sexual reproductive health youth expert
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
