Profile

A research consultant and senior business professional based in Nairobi , Kenya, WEMO is passionate about finding sustainable solutions to the gender disparity problem that faces many women in rural Kenya as a result of cultural misconceptions. She believes in the “Teach a Man to Fish” mantra to pioneer change through entrepreneurship.

At MAMA Ventures, WEMO works with women and girls, from under privileged backgrounds who are victims of gender based violence. By leading through practical mentoring, she works with experienced curators to equip the beneficiaries with business and entrepreneurial skills. She also works with experienced psychologists to offer emotional support to the women and girls. She believes in a holistic approach towards finding solutions for the problems the women are faced with.

HeartTalk.

Interview

1.What is your definition of women empowerment?

Women Empowerment is basically when the society takes the active role in educating women and girls to aspire and be part of the greater plan. It means that gender is a non-issue as far as equity of resources is concerned. It is the all-inclusive nature to openly discuss and find solutions to the gender disparity debate.

2.What motivated you to get involved in being inspirational for change?

I was inspired to be involved part of the motivational vehicle of change because I wanted to solve problems at the grass root level. I wanted to make the impossible possible and most importantly, I believe that as nature is capable of making gems out of rocks, so can I make a bright secure future for women and children in Africa and secondarily for the whole generation.

3.What are some key characteristics of an empowered person?

An empowered person identifies the challenges in the society that they are part of and autonomously seek to find solutions with the available resources that are disposable and dispensable to them. This person should be able to transfer the passion that they conduct their goals and objectives to the next person without fear or doubt.

4.What can leaders or individuals interested in advocacy do to facilitate empowerment?

I believe that individuals interested in advocacy towards empowerment need to get to the root of the problems and challenges of society and honestly addressing them. They also need to positively engage the masses and general public without extortion or blind sided agenda. Finally, they should commit, knowing that until the skills they possess are transferable, only then, will change truly begin to occur.

5.What advice would you give to those who want to give up due to a lack of empowered feeling, thinking and action? (e.g. What is an important first step)

The first lesson about giving up is to not give up. Life is made up of obstacles and until one recognizes failure and challenges as the fuel towards creating change, only then can we begin to change the global narrative. The biggest challenge is that we want to do everything, as entrepreneurs, without taking time to zero in our strengths and weaknesses. Find people who are committed towards the same goal, with complementing personalities to drive towards the ultimate goal of success.