Celebrating International Women's Day 2024: Empowering Women for Progress

March 6, 2024 Nairobi. Re:BUiLD clients (refugees and host communities) displaying some of the group work that they had done to reflect on the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day at Kenya Christian Industrial Training Institute (KCITI). (Photo: Edgar Otieno for IRC)

Every year on March 8, the world celebrates International Women's Day (IWD), a day dedicated to recognizing women's contributions and advocating for gender equality. This year's theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, was echoed in two vibrant events held at Kenya Christian Industrial Training Institute (KCITI) located in Eastleigh and St. Faith Anglican Church located in Kajiado North Sub-County.  

Re:BUiLD gathered 26 women from refugee and host communities at KCITI on March 6, 2024, to share experiences, and strategize actions to enhance women's economic empowerment and social protection. The women reflected on the historical roots of IWD, its role in advocating for gender equality, and the need to recognize women's achievements while addressing gender-based derailing factors affecting women’s economic growth. 

"We are supposed to celebrate a woman because a woman is a wonderful person. And among women, we have different demographics, there are our mothers, our grandparents, our aunts, and our sisters. These are the people we celebrate. And why do we celebrate them? It's because a woman is like a mirror, a mirror for the community. A woman is a person people look up, to create a community." said Josephine Muchina, a Re:BUiLD client 

Participants also shared personal stories, highlighting their challenges, achievements, and untapped potential. These narratives emphasized the resilience and determination of women from diverse backgrounds.  

Refugee and Host Women call for Increased Livelihood Interventions 

During a call-to-action session to suggest concrete steps for effective investing in women, the women called for increased livelihoods funding to improve access to financial services. They also called for training opportunities, and the promotion of women in leadership roles to enhance women's representation in decision-making. They also emphasized the need for increased awareness of IWD's significance through storytelling, community building, and improved social cohesion between refugee and host communities.  

March 8, 2024 Nairobi. The acting Deputy County Commissioner Ms. Metrin Wafula of Rongai addressing participants who joined the International Women’s Day march from Nairobi Women’s Hospital, Rongai, to St. Faith Anglican Church. (Photo: Edgar Otieno for IRC)

At St. Faith Anglican Church on March 8th, 2024, a spirited procession marked the start of, International Women’s Day celebrations in Ongata Rongai. The march was flagged off by Ms. Metrin Wafula, the acting Deputy County Commissioner of Rongai. Participants marched from Nairobi Women’s Hospital, Rongai, to St. Faith Anglican Church, where the day's activities unfolded. Attendees were treated to an array of informative sessions and entertainment.

Speaking on behalf of IRC and the Re:BUiLD Program, Dorcas Mwangi, the program’s Protection Officer, highlighted the services the program offers, such as facilitating urban savings and loans associations and microenterprise grants that encourage women’s economic growth.

Government officials reiterated their commitment to invest in women's social, financial, and educational advancement, emphasizing the pivotal role women play in driving economic growth. They encouraged refugee women in particular to take advantage of government programs and services tailored to their needs. 

In essence, the celebration of International Women's Day 2024 served as a rallying call to invest in women's empowerment and a platform for meaningful dialogue and collective action towards gender equality. Through collective efforts and continued advocacy, we can ensure that women have the resources and opportunities to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities.