Comrades

I had just relocated to South Africa early 2009 in search of knowledge. It was my first time to leave East Africa, and though I was excited, I could not shake off the feeling of uncertainty which easily matures into fear. I had heard of numerous stories, about this beautiful country, some were inspiring, others were scary. Loneliness become my companion my first few weeks.

I was born and raised in Kenya in a farm in a town called Nakuru. I spent most of my life as a young woman navigating between Nairobi (the capital city) and Nakuru. Depending on where I was, internet connectivity ranged from good to terrible, but it required my walking to the nearest internet cafe. With this background, I was naturally fascinated at how quick, free and accessible internet was at the university I had just joined in South Africa. The intricate cocktail of my loneliness and internet become my everyday special for those first few weeks. It is at this point that I met and fell in love with the worldpulse community.

This relationship has exposed me to stories that I would never have known or read if I were to confine myself to school books. My academic studies natured and solidified my interest in issues affecting women, I was exposed to a world of theories and philosophies; I became conscious of my identity as a feminist. However, worldpulse remained my companion and reference point throughout my academic studies. The real stories from women all over the world and from grass root levels, kept me grounded on reality and became my source of inspiration, and sometimes examples when explaining points in class. I talked of the complexity of the challenges and solutions women in different communities across the globe are experiencing while I have never physically stepped beyond the boundaries of the continent. I spoke with so much passion as if I knew these women personally, and I felt I did. I remain encouraged and stimulated by thoughts written by women who are inspired by their genuineness and commitment to the empowerment of the woman.

I recently got an opportunity to travel around Southern Africa visiting groups of young women in urban slums and rural areas, and many a time I often think; if only it were possible for these young women to post their stories on such forums as worldpulse, if only it were possible for these young women to read the stories of women across the world (and why not?), then they would know that they are not alone in they work hard to empower themselves. They would know that there is a global movement of women moving beyond numerous and complex forms of challenges. As such thoughts haunt my mind, I am aware that my relationship with world pulse is just beginning, for it is my duty to monitor and advocate the empowerment of women and tell the story of the woman as a woman.