What I know for sure……

I am a girlie girl! I have been branded as the fairy tale type, the glamour girl and even the ice-queen at times…whatever hat I wear, I know a couple of  things still remain true to me. This is what I know for sure….

I know for sure that if you are important to me then you get to meet all other equally important people in my life. If you are as great and lovely as I imagine you are then why not! Why hide you and not want others to meet you? No pressure intended but it is awfully bizarre when you refuse to comply with this normal social gesture or worse refuse to reciprocate and instead try to hog me to yourself! Trying to cut all links with my kith and kin is clearly a red flag that I refuse to tolerate. I do not see it as being in love and you wanting to spend ALL your waking hours with me….I call this being a control freak!!!

I know for sure that I am worthy of love-to love and be loved in return. I do not believe that love hurts or that I should tolerate you because of what we previously had. I love myself too. I will obviously allow myself to mourn and rant but I certainly will move on hopeful that I will find love again.

More often than not, few will be genuinely happy for my achievements and goals. They will half heartedly smile but inwardly wish me oceans of calamities. I realize this and take caution when I identify such personalities.

The older I get the more I understand that not all friendships last a lifetime. Contrary to popular belief there can be seasonal and reason friends. I believe that when that reason and season have been accomplished it is ok to let them be and not beat ourselves up for failed friendships.

I know for certain that I am solely responsible for my own happiness, health and joy. I know the importance of scheduling ‘me time’ in my program and finding out how I am really doing. It is paramount to have a ‘spoil me’ day once in a while when I can just laze in bed with a good novel and recharge my batteries. I also know the value of financial independence and the reason why I especially need to take a hands on approach towards my finances. I reckon that one can never be too widely read: hence the importance of staying relevant and reading vastly.

I know for sure that violence does not solve anything. Whatever form it may take it is damaging and always makes matters worse. I know that being kind and smiling to a stranger a day probably won’t get me to the list of nobels but it does  makes me feel better. I consider it essential to help the needy and less fortunate in our society and not feel the need the gloat and brag about it.

Most of all I know that I am not perfect and I never will be. I realize that I will make mistakes some more serious than others as I go along the way-this they say is the essence of being human. I however know that I should seek counsel from others who add value in my life and strive not to make their mistakes.

Diary of a Milead fellow…..

Its been over year..can't believe I din't share this.....Had lots of fun as a Milead 2010/2011 fellow.....

The Moremi Leadership Empowerment and Development (MILEAD) fellows summer Institute marked from July 12^th to August 2^nd 2010 at the Kwame Nkrumah Complex, Institute of African Studies-University Of Ghana-was to say the least a wonderful experience.

On receiving my award letter, I remember thinking that Moremi Initiative for Women's Leadership in Africa might have awarded the wrong person. From over 800 applications, it is clear that the selection process is quite competitive, and there I was, selected as one of the 25 fellows from 21 different African countries and the Diaspora.

First thing first, I needed to contact my fellow Kenyan 2010 counterparts and compare note, synchronize our travel plans and bond a bit. After all we were to be together for the next three weeks. Finding them was not a problem and we soon meet up a couple of times for media briefing and coffee before we headed to Accra.

Ms. Amina Abdirashid is a young Kenyan lady who currently works for the BBC and implements programs in Somalia. She believes in giving the Somali girl child a voice and a much needed ear as well. She intends to implement her MICHANGE project within the same lines.

Ms. Mary Ng’Endo Kanoi is the only fellow actively involved in climate change. An intern at GTZ Kenya, she is passionate about conservation and would like her project to centre on alternative fertilizers which farmers in Murang’a could use which would be cheaper to make and use and are environmental friendly.

Ms. Jane Wairimu Waithera is a vibrant young lady living with albinism. She is currently in the process of registering her own company-‘Positive Exposure’, which aims to educate society on albinism with the aim of reducing stigma that surrounds it. Positive Exposure will be involved in offering support to albinos especially in areas where their lives may be of eminent danger.

All the fellow’s bios look amazing, at a tender age of between 19-25 years, these young African leaders are making waves in different sectors. It is highly encouraging and humbling to be amidst such personalities and more so to know that Africa has a bright future ahead.

The training was exciting and a great learning experience for both the fellows and the facilitators. It was interesting to share experiences among members and compare and contrast with our own countries. The summer Institute was conducted through different teaching methodology to avoid monotony and encourage more interaction among particiapnats.The program addressed key topics such as:

·        Dimensions of Leadership

·        Women’s Human Rights

·        Social Activism

·        Solidarity

·        Networking and Collaboration

·        Research

·        Women’s Health and Safety

·        Economic Justice

·        Political Participation

·        Environmental Justice

·        Peace building

·        Personal development

My favorite mode of learning was the field visits, during our stay we managed to visit a few women NGO’s in Ghana such as AWDF, FIDA-Ghana, UNDP and WISE which is the founder of the Moremi Initiative among others. The most interesting visit would however be the visit to the Ghana's Attorney- General, Betty Mould-Iddrisu We had the opportunity to ask her questions and get advice from her in regard to making it as an African female leader. Her advice to all women is that “never let your gender dictate what you can and can’t do.”

The three weeks flew by so fast, I learned a lot about myself, and other very crucial topics that affect women, more so African women. I am now more than ever passionate about pushing the women’s agenda and believe that there are no limitations.

It is comforting to know that I have 24 wonderful sisters from all over Africa who shares this same dream. We learned together, cried and partied together and we very much intend to work together to raise the African woman and girl’s voice……..

Courses Women Should be REQUIRED to take

• Silence, the Final Frontier: Where No Woman Has Gone Before

• The Undiscovered Side of Banking: Making Deposits

• Parties: Going Without New Outfits

• Man Management: Minor Household Chores Can Wait Till After The Game

• Bathroom Etiquette I: Men Need Space in the Bathroom Cabinet Too.

• Bathroom Etiquette II: His Razor is His

• Communication Skills I: Tears - The Last Resort, not the First.

• Communication Skills II: Thinking Before Speaking

• Communication Skills III: Getting What you Want Without Nagging

• Driving a Car Safely: A Skill You CAN Acquire

• Telephone Skills: How to Hang Up

• Introduction to Parking

• Advanced Parking: Backing Into a Space

• Water Retention: Fact or Fat

• Cooking I: Bringing Back Bacon, Eggs and Butter

• Cooking II: Bran and Tofu are Not for Human Consumption

• Cooking III: How not to Inflict Your Diets on Other People

• Compliments: Accepting Them Gracefully

• PMS: Your Problem... Not His

• Dancing: Why Men Don't Like To

• Classic Clothing: Wearing Outfits You Already Have

• Household Dust: A Harmless Natural Occurrence Only Women Notice

• Integrating Your Laundry: Washing It All Together

• Oil and Gas: Your Car Needs Both

• TV Remotes: For Men Only