INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION AT DOLDOL, LAIKIPIA NORTH COUNTY

The following is a write up by VSO that I contributed towards about a great day at which I had been given the priviledge of being the photographer for the day.

International women’s Day was celebrated 21 March 2013 in Doldol, Laikipia with the theme,” Gaining momentum”. It was facilitated by VSO Jitolee and hosted by the local women's umbrella group, Enyuato Olosho, whose members are drawn from women groups around 9 locations of Laikipia North, based in Dolodol.

All participants converged at the District officer’s administrative office for a procession through the town to the event location, the catholic mission hall, about a 2 km walk. There was much excited chatter as the groups mingled and exchanged stories and experiences. Most of the ladies present were marvellously dressed in traditional outfits, ornate, multiple beadwork items which were off set well with the VSO Jitolee branded T-shirts with the theme at the back. The kaleidoscope of colours was amazing and highlighted by the strong morning sun. 

 

The procession was flagged off by the District commissioner at 11 am.  Among the dignitaries were many government and administrative officials, the Chief, VSO, World Vision, etc. VSO Jitolee International Women’s Day – "The Gender Agenda:Gaining Momentum" T-Shirts and banners highlighted the purpose and message of the day. 

After the flagging off of the parade the celebration mode took over with singing and dancing of a 150 strong chorus spread across the valley turning heads from faraway and bringing people towards us to see what the gathering was about.

A cafe spotted along the way - I am sure I have seen that name before?

Towards the end of the parade the clouds darkened and this served to highlight the colours and smiles even more. We passed a school and hundreds of excited children ran to the fence to see the message and the procession.

Finally we made it to the church 10 minutes before the heavens opened and rain hammered on the church roof. There were motivational speeches from group leaders and honoured guests. The gist of the message was that women do have a voice, a state that has been a struggle to attain especially in the Maasai community. They appreciated the efforts of all INGO’S, NGO’S, CSO and all other stakeholders for the capacity building and empowerment of the community. 

However, it was sighted that empowerment is a responsibility that the community is awarded by others for them to respond and take lead in implementation in the day to day life. Issues of rape, early marriages, Female Genital Mutilation, defilement and other forms of disregard to human rights should be addressed and follow the due process that is dictated by the government. The District Commissioner stated that this is a process that parents knowingly do not adhere to typically because of the availability of “kangaroo courts” or money offered as a payment for an offence, a situation that undermines the very nature the community purports to protect. 

It was largely acknowledged by the government officials that the attendance was very good especially in semi arid and largely migrant community. The forum was used to pass all relevant messages which included: availability and locations for adult education, devolved government and the implications to development in the area, contact and introduction of the security officer in charge of the area (administration police) among others.