Reconnecting with the Continent

Written by: Anne C. Clarke, Project Lead

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As the Maama Watali, Mamma Support Circles Team gets ready for their adventure on the African Continent we focus on Nairobi, Kenya and the Rift Valley which is over 7,000 feet above sea level. The air is fresh and crisp, surrounded by lush greenery and an ever-present chill in the air. The start of the Girls Run 2023 on the weekend of May 26th and 27th will begin with planting trees as part of conservation efforts to keep our environment ecologically balanced.

The purpose of Girls Run, a Canadian registered organisation, co-founded by the indomitable Susan Namulindwa, herself an avid runner, is part of raising awareness and support for high school girls. Many of these young women are unable to attend school when they have their periods because they do not have sanitary pads. The United Nations calls these barriers “Period Poverty” and has called on governments to make feminine products free. To date only one country has done that. In Canada, there is no tax on these products. Nevertheless, the ability to access these crucial products affects young women not only in developing countries, but also developed countries.

Moving the agenda forward

While in the Valley, we will also meet with the girls to listen to them as they dream big dreams and continue to find new ways to support their growth and development within the concept of the circle. In the meantime, as part of that commitment to strengthen the voices of women and girls, since our arrival in Nairobi we have had an opportunity to meet with women and create and expand the Maama Support Circles.

On Saturday May, 20th we met with over 20 women, members of the New Hope Ministries Women’s Group. It was a vibrant conversation on the theme of “Finding Your Voice”. “What did it mean for each one of the visiting Canadians to find their voices and how did our journey begin? We each shared personal stories and then listened to the women share their own experiences. As the conversation progressed, they looked at the challenges and opportunities that could present themselves in their everyday lives. Some of these opportunities included the need for reliable school transportation for children, establishing safe and secure childcare, establishing a business where prospective parents, and those who would like to give gifts, could purchase baby clothes and other products. Also how can communities have access to water? As the women chatted they realised how each of these activities had its own unique potential for finding their voices. They discussed how such a model could be used to empower themselves as women, within their families, and their social and professional groups.

In helping to strengthen their circle, we have committed ourselves to meeting virtually and working with them to build a better world, starting within their own circles and expanding within their communities in those areas that are meaningful to the women.

The Kenyan Journey

As we travel through Kenya, the country is a world of contrasts. I felt as though I never left Canada because there is construction wherever you turn. New highways with toll bridges, so if you want to get away from the traffic, take the new highway! Know you will have to pay to get off! Old structures are being replaced with new and ever so modern buildings, for home and office.

All of this amidst the hustle and bustle of people on their way to work, the vendors are ready and waiting with breakfast. Then there are the street entrepreneurs selling household wares, such as lamps and other kinds of jewellery. There are also those intent on keeping you hydrated and anxious for you to refill your snack cupboards without having to make a trip to the grocery.

Yet in the midst of all this, there is a calm rhythm you can feel in the air as the walk is slow and deliberate without the sense of dread that crowds our everyday lives in Canada. People acknowledge you; they smile and move on. It’s part of being human, something that newcomers to Canada seem to have forgotten as they meet people of their own race, familiar face or not!! So, when I smile at my brother, sister, aunt or uncle, do not say – “Do I know you”? Just smile back!!

On a personal note

For me, it has also been an opportunity to renew acquaintances with former Canadian colleagues who have resettled on the continent. Through virtual live stream, I was able to show my Canadian-born Kenyan relatives the beauty and life of their roots and what that looks like.

For now I will sign off and update you another time.
Jambo (hello) and Ashanti (thank you)

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