VOF 4 (Lucy M)

Discrimination and violence against women still remains a big problem in my country. Women still have to contend with domestic violence, sexual violence, female genital mutilation and early forced marriages. Women still have limited access to property and high level decision making positions still remain the preserve of men. Women form majority of the population yet they also form majority of the poor.

As a woman in my country, I refuse to let the situation remain the way it is. I am optimistic that the future will be better for women because of the various interventions that are being put in place especially by women rights organizations. I look forward to a future where all forms of discrimination against women will be a thing of the past. A world where women and men are living in harmony and enjoying their human rights as human beings. I see a world where women are confidently taking up leadership positions without a frown from society doubting their abilities. A world free from all forms of violence against women. A world in which female genital mutilation is a thing of the past only relegated to our history books.

This vision can only be achieved through change in attitudes, practices, policies and laws on issues touching on women’s rights. To bring about change there is need to communicate about issues affecting women at the community and national level. There is need to form networks through the communication process so that information can be sent and ideas exchanged for the purpose of bringing about change.

That is why I am looking forward to becoming a World Pulse correspondent. World Pulse has a great future for already it has attracted outstanding women rights activists from all over the world who are sharing information about their different parts of the world on a daily basis. Through World Pulse, I can take part in both national and international networks with likeminded individuals and groups and together we can make a difference in telling our stories from our different parts of the world.World Pulse can also provide me with an opportunity to contribute the story of the Kenyan woman, network with others likeminded individuals and organisations for the purposes of meeting our objectives. As a correspondent, I can use this space to express my trials, experiences, fears and joys in advancing the rights of the Kenyan woman. My commitment towards meeting the vision for women in my country will be my driving force as I participate as a correspondent for World Pulse. I believe I can bring change as I am able to bring the audience to the situation through my writing to enable them feel the situation for the purposes of contributing to change.