Well, statistically, it has been found that more women than men suffer from mental illness. However, this has been attributed to the fact that women are more outspoken about their problems while men are trammeled with societal expectations of exhibiting stoicism, which is generally embedded in hegemonic masculinity. This makes it difficult for them to show vulnerability, which is deemed weak. But empirically speaking, yes, women in Kenya have been found to suffer more from mental issues, especially mood disorders.

In my opinion, the causes of mental illnesses are not exclusively gender biased. For instance, genetics, substance use, traumas, and even hormonal imbalance have been associated with the etiology of mental illnesses in both genders. Of course, we can’t be oblivious to the fact that hormonal imbalances/ fluctuations do occur more in women, hence the reported higher rates in mood disorders. As previously mentioned, the other plausible explanation for the notably poorer mental health among women as compared to men is women’s presumed ease in vocalizing their mental health concerns.

As we work to support women’s mental health, how can friends, colleagues, and others help?

Friends, colleagues, and other people can help by initially destigmatizing mental illness. I believe the perception held by most people, despite considerable growth in knowledge and awareness about mental health/ wellness, makes it difficult for women to come forward when they need support. This is because mental illness is still regarded as strange/bizarre.  For women who self-stigmatize, a supportive social environment can be the first step towards recovery and wellness. 

What’s your take on seeking therapy even when there are no apparent mental health issues?

The question is, can we say that there is no mental health issue? Any issue that considerably affects how you think, feel, and behave (meaning there’s a slight deviation from the norm) should be considered as something affecting your mental health. Now, that doesn’t mean that it has to be associated with or stemming from a psychopathology/ disorder, but it could mean that you need therapy to navigate it. So, yes, it is important to seek therapy to understand issues that might be causing distress, discomfort, and not necessarily depression, for example. Sometimes, new things that are causing feelings like extreme joy can warrant booking a session with your therapist. New ventures like getting married, starting a business, or deciding to have a baby might need a session with your therapist. It depends on the individual and how they navigate issues.

Regular Mental wellness checks are always good for a woman’s overall mental well-being.

This article was written by Dr. Sylvia Raywe, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Integrative & Holistic Hospital – Karen.

The post MORE WOMEN THAN MEN SUFFER FROM MENTAL ILLNESS appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

The Foundation’s recent statement highlights a pressing need for justice for victims and accountability for those who commit these crimes. They emphasize that current laws must be enforced more strictly to ensure that perpetrators face serious consequences. “No woman should ever feel that her pain will go unanswered,” they stated, advocating for stronger legal measures to protect women and girls.

Additionally, the Foundation is calling on the government to create more shelters and support centers for survivors, offering crucial services like medical care, counseling, and legal assistance without delay or discrimination.

To make a lasting impact, they stress the importance of changing societal attitudes toward women and girls. They believe that a cultural shift is essential to reduce GBV and femicide. “Violence against women thrives where there’s a lack of empowerment and opportunity,” they pointed out, urging stakeholders to invest in programs that uplift women economically and socially. This support can help break the cycles of dependency and abuse that many face.

Recent media reports have shed light on a worrying increase in abduction and murder cases across the country, prompting the leaders to rally all Kenyans with a decisive message: “Enough is enough!”

So far in 2024, the National Police Service has reported 339 murder cases, a significant rise compared to previous years. High-profile tragedies, including the murders of Dahabo Daud Said and Amina Abdirashid Dahir, highlight the urgent need to address GBV in the country.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has voiced concern over these alarming trends and is currently overseeing investigations into the recent cases. He encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, emphasizing that community involvement is key to curbing this violence.

As the Foundation calls for action, it’s clear that the fight against gender-based violence requires not just legal reforms but also a transformation in how society views and supports women and girls.

The post Agnes Kagure Foundation Highlights Surge in Gender-Based Violence appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

This X (formerly Twitter)post with a video claiming that Gen Z protestors occupied JKIA is false.

The video was shared on Wednesday 24th July 2024 after Gen-Z protestors had planned a shutdown of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on 23rd July 2024 (JKIA) in a protest dubbed #OccupyJKIA.

The video, which appears to be a news broadcast with a voiceover, shows people outside the airport. It accompanies a post alleging that Gen-Z protestors managed to occupy Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). 

Gen Z protesters had planned to occupy JKIA in protest of  President William Ruto’s governance on 23rd July. However, on the day of the planned protest, heightened security measures were implemented, preventing the protestors from accessing the airport. Media reporters shared that passengers and vehicles underwent a thorough search to ensure that only travelers with the right travel documents, workers, and any other authorized personnel gained access to the JKIA airport.

Woman Kenya Network carried out a reverse search image on the keyframes through InVid-We Verify and found out that the video is old. The video was taken five years ago when aviation workers had downed their tools as reported by Citizen TV on March 6, 2019. The video’s title reads, “GSU, Anti-riot police deployed at JKIA to disperse Aviation workers.”

The video has the same voice-over used in the video in question.

The first part of the video posted by the X users matches the original eight-minute video running between the 2 ’42 mark and to 2′ 55 mark. Additionally, the last bit where protesters are being chased was cut from the 6 ’15 mark.

Woman Kenya Network has confirmed that a post with a video claiming that Gen-Z protestors successfully occupied JKIA is false.

This fact-check was written by Woman Kenya Network fact-checker Priscilla Wairimu Kimani and edited by Woman Kenya Project Lead, Shadrack Agamira.

This fact-check was produced by Woman Kenya Network, under the African Fact-Checking Incubator program, with support from PesaCheck, Code for Africa’s fact-checking initiative, and the African Fact-Checking Alliance(AFCA).

Woman Kenya Network is a distinguished digital media company committed to advancing gender equality and promoting the equitable participation of women and girls in society. Launched in 2018, WOKN has grown into a fully-fledged digital media platform with a vibrant social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Our platforms have become a trusted and reliable source of information on gender-sensitive content covering diverse thematic areas including Politics, Climate, Peace and Security, Gender Justice, Health, Economic Empowerment, and SRHR as guided by SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.  We use the media to advocate for gender equality, promote just portrayal, and amplify women’s voices in society.

The post FALSE: This video is not of Gen Z protestors occupying Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

The creative and Multimedia Health and Climate Reporter competed against 240 journalists from across East Africa and stood out, earning her prestigious recognition.

During an interview with Woman Kenya Network, Hellen shared her surprise and delight upon learning she had won. She explained that she had applied for the award over a year ago and had given up hope after the winners were not announced as expected. During this time, she focused on her ongoing work and even received another award for the same story. 

Reflecting on the award ceremony, Hellen said, “When I was invited to the event, I attended as a climate reporter, not knowing that I had won an award. It was a beautiful surprise for me, especially since I had waited for so long and forgotten about it.”

For Hellen, the recognition is a powerful affirmation of the importance of going beyond the usual narratives in climate reporting. She emphasized that “most people write about climate change when there’s breaking news like floods or drought. But by including the human element and telling stories that others aren’t telling, you set yourself apart.”

 Winning the award, Hellen noted, encourages her to continue highlighting these human-centered stories in her work. Hellen also reflected on the challenges she has faced as a woman in climate journalism. She acknowledged that women often face unique barriers, particularly when reporting in difficult or dangerous conditions. 

Recalling her experience covering the recent floods in Nairobi, she explained, “As a woman, it’s not always advisable to go where the flooding is happening right away, while men often have the flexibility to access such zones more easily.” 

She also shared another incident during a reporting trip to Mathare, an informal settlement, where she had to rely on assistance to navigate a flood-ridden area. “I had to be carried on someone’s back to get to the interview,” she recounted. Despite these challenges, Hellen remains committed to her work, undeterred by the obstacles she has encountered.

For women aspiring to make an impact in journalism, particularly in underrepresented areas like climate change, Hellen stressed the importance of reading and research. “I’d tell women who are in the climate space, or who wish to report on climate issues, to read a lot. When you read, you become more informed, and when you are informed, you can tackle issues based on the vast knowledge you have.” 

She also highlighted the importance of simplifying complex issues. “When you read, you need to humanize the story and make it simple. If you can break it down, you’ll be able to convey it clearly to your audience.”

Additionally, Hellen emphasized the importance of including female voices in climate reporting. “Include female experts in your reporting. Women are the most affected by climate change, so it’s important to give them a voice in your stories. Ensure that gender balance is maintained by including women as sources.”

When asked if women have a unique role to play in climate reporting or activism, Hellen strongly agreed. She pointed out that women, particularly those in vulnerable communities, are often the most affected by climate-related crises. “Women are the most affected when it comes to climate change, and their voices are crucial. They can tell the story better because they live it. However, they are grossly underrepresented in global spaces and decision-making.” 

Hellen also called for more efforts to bring women to the forefront of climate discussions. “Global leaders need to embrace the gender aspect of climate change. They should include women and bring them to the table when global issues are being discussed.”

Who is Hellen Shikanda? 

Helen Shikanda is a Creative and Multimedia Health and Climate Reporter for Nation Media Group in Kenya. She focuses on local health issues, climate change, and environmental topics. Her work has been featured in major publications such as NationAfrica, Business Daily Africa, and The East Africa.

Ms. Shikanda has participated in several fellowships and training programs, including the Bettina Fund Mentorship Program by the Thomson Foundation, the Oxford Climate Journalism Network, and the Africa Resilience Network. 

She has also been involved with the Africa Academy of Open-Source Investigation by Code for Africa, Women in News (Class of 2022), Internews, the National Press Foundation, and the Climate Tracker Climate Justice Fellowship for COP27.

As a multi-award-winning journalist, Ms. Shikanda has been recognized by the Media Council of Kenya. She won the Podcast of the Year award in 2022 at the Annual Journalism Excellence Awards, and in 2023, she received awards for Health Reporting, Environment and Climate Change Reporting, and Development Reporting. Recently, she was shortlisted for a global climate award as an Emerging Journalist Covering Climate by Covering Climate Now.

About Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Media Awards

The IGAD Media Awards honor excellence in journalism across the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region, recognizing journalists and media organizations committed to ethical reporting and fostering dialogue. 

These awards are open to journalists and freelancers from IGAD member countries, including Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda.

The post IGAD Media Awards Winner Hellen Shikanda Advocates for Women’s Voices in Climate Reporting and Global Decision-Making appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

During the ceremony, President Ruto expressed confidence in Beatrice Askul’s appointment, praising her leadership, which he has witnessed for over 20 years.

The President highlighted the importance of her role in promoting Kenyan products in the East African market and expanding business opportunities. He emphasized that East Africa is Kenya’s largest market and described the East African Community (EAC) as the most progressive organization on the continent.

As the new Cabinet Secretary, Beatrice Askul will also serve as an ex-officio member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). In this capacity, she will work with other legislators to develop policies that support the growth of the East African Community and benefit all its member states.

“You have a duty to Kenya and the entire East African Community,” the President stated.

Who is Beatrice Askul Moe?

Beatrice Moe is an experienced Social Scientist and Consultant, previously serving as the County Executive Committee Member responsible for Irrigation, Agriculture, and Land Reclamation in Turkana County. 

Her experience also includes positions as Director of the Rift Valley Water Services Board, Chairperson of its Technical Committee, and Chairperson of the Audit Committee for the same board.

Moe has worked as a project officer for AMREF Kenya and as a Relief Officer for Oxfam Turkana. Her expertise lies in managing community development projects promoting social and behavioral change.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science (Social Work) from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Governance and Ethics. 

Moe has also completed several professional development courses, including a County Induction Course at the Kenya School of Government and a Corporate Governance Course while serving on the Rift Valley Water Services Board.

The post Beatrice Askul Moe  Makes History as Kenya’s First Female CS From Turkana appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

A video shared on X(formerly Twitter)and TikTok purporting that President William Ruto introduced Defence Cabinet Secretary, Ms Soipan Tuya as his ex-girlfriend is altered.

Ruto and Tuya are visible in the clip as he allegedly makes the statement. The video’s caption, in Swahili, translates to: ‘This is my former girlfriend; we will continue planting trees.’

The clip was shared following cabinet changes after Ruto dismissed his cabinet on July 11, 2024, in an effort to form a ‘broad-based government’ following anti-government protests. In his new nominations, Ruto initially appointed Tuya as Environment CS and later nominated her for the Defence docket.

His choice of new cabinet members faced widespread criticism. Tuya, in particular, was subjected to sexist attacks online after her nomination. In response, Maasai women, under the Maa Women’s Umbrella Network lobby, publicly condemned the surge in cyberbullying and sexual harassment against Ms. Tuya.”

WOKN performed a Google reverse search of a screengrab from the circulating video to determine the clip’s authenticity. The results brought up a TikTok video where Ruto is seen introducing his wife, Rachel. 

A further keyword search led us to a YouTube video of Ruto introducing his wife, shared on May 10, 2024. The footage bears the State House logo and a subsequent review of the State House YouTube channel brought up the original video, which dates back to the National Tree Planting Day on May 10, 2024, when Kenya’s President William Ruto led a tree planting exercise at Kambicho Forest in Murang’a County. 

In the original video, President Ruto introduces his wife Rachel as his former girlfriend at the 8:20 mark after which he introduces Soipan Tuya, establishing that Ruto was speaking of his wife and not Tuya as alleged. 

This fact-check was written by Woman Kenya Network fact-checker Priscilla Kimani and edited by Woman Kenya Network Editor, Aruna Museti.

This fact-check was produced by Woman Kenya Network (WOKN) under the African Fact-Checking Incubator program, with support from PesaCheck, Code for Africa’s fact-checking initiative, and the African Fact-Checking Alliance(AFCA).

Woman Kenya Network is a distinguished digital media company committed to advancing gender equality and promoting the equitable participation of women and girls in society.

Launched in 2018, WOKN has grown into a fully-fledged digital media platform with a vibrant social media presence on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Our platforms have become a trusted and reliable source of information on gender-sensitive content covering diverse thematic areas including Politics, Climate, Peace and Security, Gender Justice, Health, Economic Empowerment, and SRHR as guided by SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.  We use the media to advocate for gender equality, promote just portrayal, and amplify women’s voices in society.

The post ALTERED: President William Ruto did not introduce Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya as his former girlfriend appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

These images on X (formerly Twitter) purportedly of the Thursday, July 25, 2024 editions of The Star, Daily Nation, and The Standard have been altered. 

According to the images, The Star newspaper’s purported headline was: “DANCING ON GRAVES”, with the sub-head: “Bondo con man raises a toast to corpses of the young and brave”. 

Similarly, on Daily Nation and The Standard, the purported headlines were: “Raila’s Judas moment”, which had the sub-head: “Veteran backer turned political prostitute shows his hand in Ruto tyranny” and “The devil wears Kaunda and Raila is his tailor” respectively. 

The purported covers were shared after President William Ruto nominated Opposition figures from Raila Odinga-led ODM which is one of the parties that form the Azimio La Umoja coalition, to take up some of the cabinet secretary positions in the Kenya Kwanza administration. The nominations were subsequently challenged in court but the nominated CSs were later sworn into office. 

Woman Kenya Network (WOKN) investigated the integrity of these headlines and established that all three had been altered.  

WOKN reviewed the media outlets’ social media platforms and established that the news outlets did not publish covers with the purported headlines. The Star, Daily Nation, and The Standard had flagged the covers under scrutiny as fake. 

The Star newspaper published a post on their X account on the same day, July 25, 2024, warning its readers against the misleading copy. The actual front page of the newspaper read: “Ruto, Raila new union to redefine 2027 race.”

Similarly, Daily Nation through the Nation Africa X account cautioned the public against the altered front page stating: “Beware of fake news! If it’s not on our official social media pages, it’s fake.” 

The original headline read: “Enter Raila, the coalition ‘king’.”

The Standard also took to its social media to warn of the circulation of a misleading front page stating; “Please ignore the fake or manipulated front page cover of The Standard newspaper circulating online and in WhatsApp groups. Our correct headline is available in the print edition. Grab your copy from your nearest newsstand.” 

The outlet’s actual front page had the headline: “Ruto hangs on to Raila for survival.”

This fact-check was written by Woman Kenya Network fact-checker  Priscilla Kimani and edited by Woman Kenya editor Aruna Museti.

This fact-check was produced by Woman Kenya Network, under the African Fact-Checking Incubator program, with support from PesaCheck, Code for Africa’s fact-checking initiative, and the African Fact-Checking Alliance(AFCA).

Woman Kenya Network is a distinguished digital media company committed to advancing gender equality and promoting the equitable participation of women and girls in society.

Launched in 2018, WOKN has grown into a fully-fledged digital media platform with a vibrant social media presence on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Our platforms have become a trusted and reliable source of information on gender-sensitive content covering diverse thematic areas including Politics, Climate, Peace and Security, Gender Justice, Health, Economic Empowerment, and SRHR as guided by SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.  We use the media to advocate for gender equality, promote just portrayal, and amplify women’s voices in society.

The post ALTERED: These headlines on the 25 July 2024 editions of The Star, Daily Nation, and The Standard are doctored appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

This distinguished award, created in memory of the revered Ghanaian broadcaster Komla Dumor, honors outstanding African journalists. As a journalist with Nation Media Group, Rukia has gained acclaim for her extensive coverage of national events, especially in human interest stories and news features.

As the 2024 recipient of the Komla Dumor Award, Rukia will embark on a three-month placement with BBC News teams in London, working across television, radio, and online platforms. This opportunity will allow her to gain invaluable experience, receive mentorship, and refine her craft alongside some of the world’s most esteemed journalists.

The BBC inaugurated the Komla Dumor Award in 2015 to honor the legacy of Komla Dumor, who gained recognition for his outstanding storytelling and commitment to presenting African stories with accuracy and depth on the global stage. The award recognizes and supports exceptional African journalists, with previous recipients including Waihiga Mwaura, Nancy Kacungira, Victoria Rubadiri, and Solomon Serwanjja.

The judges particularly praised Rukia’s strong journalistic skills, resilience in covering challenging stories, and her focus on amplifying underrepresented voices. They also highlighted her on-air presence and ability to engage with audiences as key factors in her selection.Rukia expressed her gratitude, stating, “Winning this award is deeply meaningful to me. As a journalist, I strive to excel without expecting recognition, so being acknowledged on a global stage through the Komla Dumor Award is profoundly validating. I aspired to honor and contribute to Komla’s legacy in some way. He was among the finest journalists of his generation, embodying the core principles of journalism: truth, accuracy, and objectivity.”

Tarik Kafala, Acting Director of the BBC World Service, praised Rukia’s accomplishments. He said, “Through the BBC World Service Komla Dumor Award, we continue to nurture the careers of outstanding journalists across Africa. We are excited to welcome Rukia Bulle as this year’s recipient and look forward to supporting her during her placement in London.”

Rukia’s recognition celebrates not only her personal achievements but also highlights the remarkable journalistic talent across Africa. The Komla Dumor Award plays a vital role in promoting and supporting the next generation of African journalists committed to telling the stories that matter most.

The post Rukia Bulle Honored with the 2024 BBC News Komla Dumor Award appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

The donation is being made through the Global Fund, which has received $2 million from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) to purchase 150,000 rings for countries benefiting from Global Fund grants.

Women in Kenya are disproportionately affected by HIV. Of the 1.4 million Kenyans living with HIV, approximately 880,000 are women, according to the Ministry of Health. This is partly due to a lack of accessible and self-controlled prevention methods that do not require partner cooperation.

Miles Kemplay, head of sexual and reproductive health and rights at CIFF, stated, “The PrEP ring provides women and girls with a discreet option that is entirely within their control. Historically, high costs have made this option inaccessible. This partnership is the first step toward making the market more sustainable and increasing access for those in need.”

Currently, the ring costs about Sh1,500 for one month of use. Global Fund and CIFF announced that their partnership, starting in October, aims to encourage broader use of the PrEP ring. They also plan to work with other partners, including Unitaid, to develop a three-month PrEP ring and/or an African-manufactured version.

The ring’s manufacturer is already working on a new version that will last three months. This version is expected to cost less than Sh2,000, excluding distribution, representing a nearly 60 percent reduction in price per month.

Peter Sands, executive director of the Global Fund, remarked, “In many parts of the world, new HIV infection rates among adolescent girls and young women are more than three times higher than among adolescent boys and young men. This is unacceptable. We believe this new PrEP ring can make a significant impact. Girls and women have expressed desire for this option, and today’s announcement is a step toward meeting that need.”

In addition to Kenya, the PrEP ring has been approved in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The World Health Organization has recommended the ring since 2021 as an additional prevention choice for women at substantial risk of HIV infection as part of a comprehensive prevention strategy.

Global Fund and CIFF have been collaborating to combat HIV since 2015 when CIFF committed $10 million to support pediatric HIV treatment and expand access to treatment in Kenya and Zimbabwe. In 2022, CIFF pledged $33 million to the Global Fund to support increased access to PrEP and PEP in Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia.

However, the ring provides only moderate protection against HIV and does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections. Studies have shown that the dapivirine ring, the first long-acting HIV prevention tool designed specifically for women, is moderately effective. It was shown to reduce HIV risk by approximately 30 percent in two randomized controlled trials, with later studies indicating a risk reduction of about 40 to 60 percent.

The developer withdrew its application for approval in the U.S. market in 2021 after the Food and Drug Administration indicated that the ring’s efficacy might be insufficient for approval.

The post Kenya Set to Receive Vaginal Rings Donation for HIV Prevention   appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Crispin Achola, Managing Director of BAT Kenya, stated, “In the context of a rapidly changing world, it is important that our stakeholders understand BAT Kenya’s contributions to sustainability. We remain focused on transforming our business, guided by our goal to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.”

Gender Diversity in Leadership

A major highlight is the increase in female representation in senior leadership roles, now at 47%, surpassing the company’s 45% target set for 2025. This achievement reflects BAT Kenya’s commitment to gender diversity and pay equity. The report also notes an increase in base salaries for women across various job grades.

Climate Change Initiatives

BAT Kenya has reported a 54% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for 2023. This surpasses the company’s 2030 target of a 50% reduction from a 2020 baseline by seven years. This progress is attributed to an accelerated decarbonization strategy, including a KSh 145 million investment in solar energy between 2021 and 2022, which has resulted in 1,400-kilowatt peak (KwP) of onsite-generated electricity.

Water Stewardship

The company has also achieved a 62.5% reduction in water usage, well beyond its 2025 target of a 35% reduction from a 2017 baseline. This accomplishment highlights BAT Kenya’s commitment to responsible resource management.

Accolades and Memberships

BAT Kenya has been certified as a Top Employer in Kenya and Africa by the global Top Employers Institute for seven consecutive years (2018-2024). Additionally, the company is a member of the Kenya Business and Disabilities Network (KBDN), an organization dedicated to promoting workplace inclusivity for persons with disabilities

The post BAT Kenya’s 2023 Report Highlights  Achievements in Gender Equity and Female Leadership appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.