AMWIK

Curses are regarded as supernatural powers such as a spell, a prayer, an imprecation, an execration, magic, witchcraft, God and natural force or a spirit that causes unpleasant things to happen to someone. In many belief systems, the curse itself or accompanying ritual is considered to have some causative force in the result such as death.

In Samburu and Laikipia counties, threats of curses are common phenomena and especially to women candidates seeking various elective positions. Culturally, there are superstitions that a curse will befall those who vote for women candidates. They fear the jinx that any misfortune, inflicting pain on them, will befall anyone who goes against the wishes of the elderly men. Women are to be seen, receive orders from their men and not to be heard.  Men seem not to realize that time has changed due to the evolution process going on amongst women and the fact that they have become fully aware of their deprived off rights  from time immemorial. Male chauvinism still reigns in these areas.

The Association of Media Women in Kenya Executive Director, Dr. Jane Wambui Thuo has urged women in business to engage with the media to advance their business ventures and raise the profile of women in business in Africa. Addressing over 250 women from different countries drawn from Africa, Asia, and around the world, she noted with regret that Africa is always portrayed negatively by the media with stories on wars, conflicts, poverty, malnutrition, diseases yet the continent has great positive aspects that need to be told. She cited the rich cultures, enormous wealth and resources, warm hearted people and great women. She also noted that women from Africa are also given a raw deal by the media locally and internationally and are seen more as victims yet they contribute immensely to the wellbeing of their countries. She challenged the women in business to tell their success stories, reach out to the other women at community level with business ideas at all levels from informal, small or large enterprises.

In addition, she noted that with economic empowerment, women in business could influence their participation in politics. “Politics is about influencing and lobbying and those who have economic muscle are not only respected but influence who get political leadership. This could be the missing link for women’s entry into politics and I urge women to form strong business associations within their countries and demand that political parties will only get their financial support if they also support the election of women.”

AMWIK wishes to Congratulate Naisula Lesuuda in being nominated as a senator. At 28 Naisula has proved to the women in Kenya especially the young women that it is possible to dream big and achieve anything you put your mind into. In 2010, Naisula Lesuuda was the youngest Kenyan woman to bag the prestigious presidential Order of the Grand Warrior for her efforts in bringing peace among warring pastoralist and using journalism to highlight social issues. A year later she received the International Labor Organization Wedge award 2011 for Prowe Outstanding Professional woman. 

We wish Naisula the Very best as she undertakes her role at the senate.