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Special Edition — February 15, 2008
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Related Articles
(The Washington Post)
Creating a Path to Peace in Kenya, by Wangari Maathai (Washington Post)
"It is imperative that we unravel the underlying causes of the violence and not paper over them as Kenyan leaders have in the past."
Women's Memorandum to Kenyan Mediation Team (Feminist Peace Network)
"We assert that as citizens we must take responsibility for resolving and transforming the conflict; the inclusion and participation of civic groups, including women's groups at the community level is critical to the success of efforts to resolve the conflict."
Senior Women Editors Campaign for Peace (IPS)
"True peace can only exist if we talk about truth, justice, history... only then can we start healing the nation."
Video Accounts
Women's Response Inside Kenya
Journalist and public health advocate Anne-christine d'Adesky flew to Nairobi with her video camera in the aftermath of the flawed elections, just as an unprecedented wave of violence descended upon the city.
While in Nairobi, Ms. d'Adesky met with and videotaped many aid groups, women leaders and grassroots activists to hear their responses to the crisis. After you're done watching their video messages, read Ms. d'Adesky's personal reflections on her journey in her article, Kenya Revisited.
Ann Njogu is a leading Kenyan human rights advocate, lawyer and Executive Director of the Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW) in Nairobi. Ms. Njogu is representative of the many politically moderate leaders in Kenya who are speaking out despite threats of murder.
Shailja Patel, an outspoken member of a new group called Kenyans for Peace with Truth and Justice, was in Kenya during the election violence. The organization has secured a unanimous U.S. Senate vote to support a peaceful resolution in Kenya; a similar bill is pending in the House now.
World Pulse correspondent Leah Okeyo, cofounder of Jacolo Rural Women's Response To AIDS, Migori, keeps a vigilant watch on HIV and rape crises as she comforts and cares for Kenyans in transit.
Alberta Wambua is Deputy Programs Manager at the Gender Violence Recovery Centre of Nairobi Women's Hospital (NWH), where, to date, more than 1600 cases of rape have officially been reported. She shares her suggestions for mediating and preventing gender-based violence in a crisis situation.
Take Action!
Global Giving's Kenya Initiative
Donations to Global Giving's Kenya Initiative will support organizations responding to the post-election crisis in Kenya, including feeding and medical programs, shelter, transportation and psychological counseling for victims.
"We need free counseling services for the victims of the clashes so they can release the tension, torment and fear they have and carry on with their daily lives and hope for a better tomorrow." —Cynthia Yaya, Nairobi
Help Build a Rape Crisis Center
With the wave of sexual violence spreading throughout Kenya, there is a desperate need for rape crisis centers. Visit this link to find out how you can help the women of Kenya by supporting those working to build rape crisis centers on the ground.
The Kenya Red Cross is at the center of humanitarian relief efforts. Visit their site to donate to those affected and displaced by the violence.
"Kenya Red Cross Society should be supported fully for their support to the displaced people. They have erected tents to shelter the afflicted and have provided food and medics to the victims of violence." —Faith Mutuma, Maua
Africa Action: Write to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
Urge the US to use its leverage to apply sustained diplomatic pressure to protect human rights in Kenya. Forward this letter to key stakeholders to make an impact!
Global Call to Action for Men and Male Leaders
The Rwanda Men's Resource Centre has issued a global call to action for men and male leaders to support the women of Kenya. Add your name to the pledge to speak out against gendered violence.
"Hope keeps women alive—hope that tomorrow will not be like today." —Benjamin Murethi, Nairobi
Global Gatherings
Rights, Empowerment and Liberation: Asian Rural Women's Conference
Arakonam, Tamil Nadu, India
March 6-8
More than a thousand rural and indigenous women from various sectors of peasants, agricultural workers, fisherfolk, Dalits, pastoralists, child laborers and minorities all over Asia will take part in this exciting and momentous conference! Women's organizations, regional networks, public interest groups and support NGOs are also invited to support the activities.
Awards and Opportunities
The European Young Journalist Award
Deadline: March 15
The European Young Journalist Award honors the accomplishments of EU journalists working in print and online media. Journalists from the 27 EU states and candidate states are eligible to win publication and a trip through the Western Balkans, culminating in a winner's conference in Slovenia. Winners will be selected from each participating country.
WWSF Prize for Women's Creativity in Rural Life
Deadline: March 31
The Women's World Summit Foundation invites you to submit nominations for its 15th annual prize for women's creativity in rural life, honoring creative and courageous women and women's organizations working to improve the quality of life in rural communities around the world.
Voyages
Neema Ngwatilo | 2008 | Kenya
In response to the post-election violence, Ngwatilo has composed this stunning song, drawing upon the image of the Kenyan flag in order to appeal for peace. Ngwatilo grew up singing in a church in Nairobi, Kenya. As a young adult, she journeyed to South Africa to study the role of Kwaito music in shaping post-apartheid urban youth identity. In this environment, she learned to blend music and poetry while digging deep into her roots and staying close to her heart.
Connect with Ngwatilo on MySpace. | Listen to the song "Flag and Future."