This global competition emphasized the fusion of creativity and environmental responsibility, attracting participants from various continents.

A standout moment of the event was the recognition of Ruth Girmay, hailed as Africa’s Most Commendable Designer. 

Girmay’s Overfishing Bag, a leather creation addressing marine sustainability, stole the show, blending artistry with environmental awareness. 

Her early success at the RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase paved the way for her participation in the UK event, where her design was met with admiration.

The upcoming RLSD Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2024 will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in November, where the top 15 finalists will compete for various awards, including the coveted People’s Award, decided by public voting. 

Girmay’s success at the UK event highlights the significance of this fast-tracked recognition.

The event opened with remarks from U.S. Ambassador to the UK, Jane Dorothy Hartley, who underscored the critical need for sustainability in fashion. 

Hartley praised the designers for reducing waste and promoting ethical fashion, calling leather a durable and recyclable alternative to synthetic fabrics that harm the environment.

“This event shows how fashion and sustainability can go hand in hand, creating beautiful and long-lasting products that benefit the planet,” Hartley said.

Kerry Brozyna, President of the Leather and Hide Council of America, further highlighted leather’s sustainable qualities, urging a shift away from synthetic materials like plastic, which contribute to long-lasting waste.

 He emphasized leather’s durability and its role as a by-product of the dairy and meat industries, offering a sustainable solution.

“Leather lasts is beautiful, and has been used for thousands of years. Help us fight for leather,” Brozyna urged the audience, reinforcing the importance of educating young designers through the RLSD platform.

Christopher Koerber, Managing Director of HUGO BOSS, echoed this support, encouraging young designers to continue innovating with sustainable materials like leather.

 Koerber praised the RLSD competition for nurturing global talent and promoting slow fashion through its emphasis on leather.

Since its inception, the RLSD International Design Award has engaged thousands of students worldwide, challenging them to create designs using at least 50% leather. 

Regional events have been held across China, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Africa, promoting sustainability and the reduction of synthetic materials.

The evening concluded with optimism for the future of sustainable fashion. Ruth Girmay’s Overfishing Bag stood as a symbol of how fashion can drive environmental change, inspiring others to embrace sustainability in their designs.

The post RLSD International Design Awards Champion Leather as a Sustainable Fashion Solution appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

This X (formerly Twitter) post with a video showing protestors purportedly chasing Nigerian soldiers in Kaduna is false.  

The video, which was posted on August 6, 2024, shows officers in uniform running from a group of people pelting them with stones. 

The accompanying post reads: “Soldiers on the run as protesters pursue them with stones in Kaduna. Truth be told, Nigeria has the most civil soldiers globally. The way some people are behaving as if they have two lives is scary.”

It is accompanied by the hashtag “End Bad Governance in Nigeria.”

The video was shared amid protests in Nigeria where thousands of people took to the streets to demonstrate over the high cost of living and rising insecurity, taking inspiration from protests in Kenya. 

WOKN conducted a reverse image search on a screengrab from the video which revealed that the said video was posted by Jackson Njeru, who published it on his Facebook and TikTok accounts on July 4, 2024, following Kenya’s protests over the contested Finance Bill. According to Njeru’s post, the incident occurred in Emali, Makueni County, Kenya. 

Further, the uniforms worn by the officers in the video do not belong to the Nigerian army. Hundreds of police officers and security personnel who were deployed in major cities across Nigeria to quell the demonstrations had black camouflage uniforms, often complemented with black berets or caps. 

On the other hand, Kenyan police who were deployed to manage the demonstrators, and other police units wear camouflage and tactical gear, with red berets for identification.

Additionally, the number plate of the truck ferrying the officers starts with GKB, an indication that it is a Kenyan government number plate. 

Nigeria-based fact-checkers’ Fact-check hub also flagged the video as false.

This fact-check was written by Woman Kenya Network fact-checker Veronica Ondere and edited by Woman Kenya Editor William Bulemi.

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 FALSE: This video is not of Nigerian soldiers running away from stone-throwing protesters appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

The world 10km record holder finished with an impressive time of 1:03:04, securing first place.

Ethiopia’s Fotyen Tesfay followed in second with a time of 1:03:21, while World Road Running 5km silver medalist Lillian Kasait took third at 1:03:32.

Ngetich’s return to Valencia was nothing short of spectacular; she previously shattered the women’s 10km world record at the Valencia Ibercaja race in January, clocking 28:46 and becoming the first woman to run the distance in under 29 minutes—beating the previous record set by Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw, by 28 seconds.

This achievement came just three months after she set a women-only world record of 29:24 at the Transylvania 10km race in Romania.

In her last outing before this victory, Ngetich won the Adizero Road to Records 10km race in Herzogenaurach, Germany, finishing in 30:03.

She also claimed the senior women’s title at the national cross-country championships in March, clocking 31:51.

The post Ngetich Triumphs Again in Valencia Women’s Half Marathon appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

This document on X (formerly Twitter), purportedly from the Adani Group, claiming to expose individuals who received bribes from the company is fake. 

The purported document, dated 10 September 2024, claims to be a press release from Adani Group denouncing baseless accusations and threats in Kenya following protests against the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport being leased to Adani Group.

In the document, the company supposedly cautions those participating in the demonstrations against the proposed handover of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Adani Group. 

The viral document also warned those planning to participate in the demonstrations, claiming that such actions could have serious consequences as they, Adani Group, would be forced to reveal the names of those who benefited from their bribes.

However, Woman Kenya Network established that the document is not authentic following close research on the formats used in publishing previous Adani press releases as shown here and here.

In the official Adani press releases, their logo ‘ADANI’ appears on the left, while on the alleged document, the Adani logo is on the right.

The complimentary closing on the Adani Group press release uses ‘Spokesperson, Adani Group,’ while the document under scrutiny uses someone’s name. None of the Adani Group’s recent official press releases use that format. 

Further, Adani Group’s website and verified X account did not have any record of such a press release. 

Adani Group instead issued an official statement stating that the document circulating was fake. The company condemned the spread of false information, labeling it a malicious act by vested interests.

Woman Kenya Network looked into the document claiming to be from the Adani Group claiming to expose individuals who received bribes from the company and found it to be fake 

This fact-check was written by Woman Kenya Network fact-checker Veronica Ondere and edited by Woman Kenya Network Project lead, Shadrack Agamira.

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, 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 FAKE: This Document Purportedly by The Adani Group Cautioning Protestors in Kenya is Fabricated appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

The symposium at the University of Nairobi focused on “The Role of the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Fostering the Right to a World of Work Free From Violence and Harassment, Including Gender-Based Violence and Harassment.” Chief Justice Koome challenged attendees to reflect on whether enough is being done to protect employees and foster workplaces where everyone can thrive without fear of intimidation, abuse, or discrimination.

Koome urged the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) to assess whether domestic laws align with global standards and if the court’s jurisprudence meets the high standards set by comparative jurisdictions. She highlighted the International Labour Organisation Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), and its accompanying recommendation (No. 206) as comprehensive frameworks for creating workplaces free from violence and harassment.

The Chief Justice emphasized that violence and harassment in the workplace are not merely occupational challenges but human rights violations. She noted that both the Kenyan Constitution and international conventions mandate bold steps to eliminate these injustices. Koome praised the ELRC for its stakeholder engagement efforts, aligning with the Judiciary’s ‘Social Transformation through Access to Justice’ (STAJ) blueprint.

Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua echoed Koome’s sentiments, stressing the importance of a fair work environment. He acknowledged the significant impact of court judgments on investors and announced plans to ratify ILO Convention 190 before the end of the year. Dr. Mutua emphasized the need to balance employee well-being with productivity and value for employers.

ELRC Principal Judge Byram Ongaya highlighted the symposium as an initiative for multi-door access to justice. He stressed the importance of laws and policies that provide for a work environment free from gender-based harassment and violence.

By addressing these crucial issues, Kenya is taking significant steps towards creating safer, more inclusive workplaces for all employees. The collective call to action from judicial, governmental, and labor relations leaders signals a strong commitment to fostering a work culture grounded in dignity, respect, and mutual regard.

The post Chief Justice Koome Urges Immediate Action for Safer Workplaces in Kenya appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

This makes it urgent for the ongoing Maternal Health Bill debate to focus on ensuring dignified, respectful maternal care to improve health outcomes and uphold human rights.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, along with Nguvu Collective’s Change Leaders, is championing the fight against obstetric violence in Kenya, pushing for urgent reforms in maternal health care.

Senator Omtatah received the groundbreaking report on Obstetric Violence created by Nguvu Change Leaders, which holds significant relevance to the ongoing debate in the Senate on the Maternal, Child Health Bill, and Newborn 2023. The Bill is at a critical stage in the legislative process where further amendments can be proposed, debated, and final decisions made before it is either passed or rejected. The report’s findings could influence these deliberations, particularly in shaping policies aimed at improving maternal healthcare and addressing systemic issues such as obstetric violence.

“The report by Nguvu Collective reveals serious issues in our mental health facilities that must be addressed in the Maternal and Child Health Bill, 2023”, Senator Omtatah stated. “Its recommendation provides a strong foundation for amending the bill to ensure women receive a high standard of care, this is the legislative change we need”

Senator Omtatah’s encounters with the tragic consequences of obstetric violence further highlight the urgency of addressing this issue nationwide.

The report, “Towards Ending OBV in Kenya: Unveiling the Invisible Wounds of Obstetric Violence Through the Voices of Kenyan Women,” by Harriet Afandi, Deborah Monari, Josephine Mwende, and Ajra Mohamed, exposes the widespread abuse women face during obstetric care, including verbal abuse, neglect, forced procedures, and lack of consent. With 1 in 3 women affected, it calls for mandatory training, stricter patient rights enforcement, and the inclusion of respectful care in national policies.

“To achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and meet SDG Target 3.1’s goal of reducing maternal mortality, we must address obstetric violence (OBV). Dignified, respectful care is essential to realizing the right to health, as upheld by our Constitution and international treaties like CEDAW. Incorporating the OBV Report’s recommendations into the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Bill is key to fulfilling these commitments.” – said Nguvu Change Leaders.

With the Bill scheduled for a third reading, the Nguvu Change Leaders have submitted a memorandum proposing amendments to improve maternal health care. These include increased funding, mandatory skilled birth attendants, comprehensive training on respectful care, and integrating mental health and financial support for low-income mothers. The group emphasizes reforms that ensure holistic, patient-centered care, addressing women’s physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and economic needs.

Nguvu Collective believes this strategy will ensure all aspects of a woman’s maternal health needs are addressed. As the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Bill, of 2023, progresses, public hearings and engagement with lawmakers are essential. Citizens are urged to participate and advocate for dignified care for all women.

The post Obstetric Violence in Kenya: Urging for Dignified Maternal Health Care appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Box Girls Kenya was recently unveiled as the Tujiamini Gold award winner for the Nairobi region, earning a cash prize of Kes. 500,000.

 The Tujiamini initiative, powered by SportPesa, is dedicated to nurturing grassroots talent and enhancing the quality of sports at the community level.

Analo Anjere, boxing coach and founder of Box Girls Kenya emphasized the need for a well-structured and exclusive Women’s Boxing League run entirely by women to promote enrollment and competitiveness through regular tournaments. ‘This will help build up our amateur and professional rankings to give our female boxers an edge regionally and globally,’ she said.

Her call for a dedicated league aligns with a broader vision to transform women’s boxing in Kenya, providing a platform for growth, recognition, and greater opportunities for female athletes both locally and on the international stage

Anjere noted that the Kes. 500,000 Tujiamini award will be used to upgrade the gym and training facilities in Kariobangi, Embakasi North Constituency, Nairobi, to better support their athletes. Meanwhile, Sarah Achieng, a professional boxer and sports administrator at Box Girls Kenya, highlighted that despite the growing interest and talent, women’s boxing in Kenya remains critically underdeveloped compared to men’s, underscoring the need for more investment and structural support

Sarah Achieng, a seasoned professional boxer and sports administrator at Box Girls Kenya, emphasized the need for regularly scheduled fights as crucial for the growth and development of boxing. ‘Female boxers, in particular, need consistent competition to maximize their full potential. I urge the public to strongly support women’s sports because we have the talent and requisite competitive spirit to succeed,’ she said.

Founded in 2007, Box Girls Kenya began with just two women aspiring to box. To date, the organization has trained and mentored over 4,000 girls in boxing and self-defense. The group also hopes to expand beyond boxing to include other sports and non-sport activities, empowering girls both inside and outside the ring.

Lyle Asiligwa, Director at DBA Africa, which partnered with SportPesa on the Tujiamini Initiative, acknowledged the immense talent among young women seeking advancement opportunities within the community.

Asiligwa noted, ‘The Nairobi region’s Tujiamini submissions displayed a high level of competitiveness, and Box Girls Kenya stood out as a key driver of sporting talent and positive change in the community. Their blend of amateur and professional boxing is proving to be high-yielding, and we look forward to seeing more exploits from the club.’

His comments underscore the importance of initiatives like Tujiamini in recognizing and promoting female-driven sporting projects, which are crucial to ensuring that women athletes in Kenya receive the attention and resources they need to thrive. 

As the Tujiamini Initiative, powered by SportPesa, moves to the South Rift region in September, young people especially young women, are encouraged to participate. With the initiative’s conclusion in November, this is a critical opportunity for aspiring athletes to gain valuable support and recognition.

The post Nairobi Tujiamini Gold Winners Advocate for Women’s Boxing League to Advance the Sport in Kenya appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

This TikTok video claiming that Interior CS Kithure Kindiki hit out at President William Ruto after cabinet dissolution is false. 

The video is captioned: “See how Kindiki tells Ruto after Firing all Cabinet secretaries today. Now Kindiki amerudi upande wa wananchi.” It was shared after the cabinet was dissolved on 11 July 2024 and alleged that Kindiki had abandoned Ruto and joined the protesting citizens.

In the video, Kindiki states: “Hii nchi, hatuezi endelea namna hii, lazima tuchague kama tutarekebisha nchi yetu isiharibike zaidi…” This translates to: “This country, we can’t continue like this, we have to choose whether we will fix our country so it doesn’t get more damaged…”

Kindiki’s purported speech was also reported here and here as an accurate depiction of events following the dismissal. 

The firing of cabinet secretaries came after unwavering protests in Kenya over the controversial 2024 Finance Bill which was later withdrawn. 

Woman Kenya Network investigated using a reverse Google image search that led to a video on the KenyaMoja.com website shared on 16 June 2023. The original video was posted on 15 June 2023 on KBC’s YouTube channel, more than a year before Ruto fired the cabinet.

In the original video, Kindiki congratulated good officers and warned rogue government officials involved in bribery and corruption. At this point, he remarks that the government is on the side of the people and not corrupt officials.

Notably, Kindiki’s shirt in the TikTok video is the same as in the news report, and the outdoor setting and dried vegetation behind him are the same.

Woman Kenya Network looked into the claim of Kindiki’s statements to the President after the dissolution of Cabinet and found it to be fake. 

This fact-check was written by Woman Kenya Network fact-checker Veronica Ondere and edited by Woman Kenya Shadrack Agamira.

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 False: This video is not of Interior CS Kithure Kindiki addressing President Ruto after the cabinet dissolution appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Ruth’s winning creation, the “Overfishing Bag,” is more than just a fashion accessory—it’s a poignant narrative wrapped in leather. Inspired by the Nile Perch, a species at the heart of Africa’s ecological balance, the bag is a bold commentary on the perils of overfishing. Its design, featuring elements like the fish’s caudal and spiny dorsal fins, speaks to the intricate relationship between fashion and environmental advocacy. Each detail of the “Overfishing Bag” is a reminder that fashion isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a platform for change.

But what makes Ruth Girmay stand out in a sea of talented designers? She can merge creativity with a cause, crafting pieces that resonate on a deeper level. The thematic challenge of this year’s competition asked how fashion can drive environmental sustainability while preserving design excellence. Ruth’s response was both profound and practical. Her “Overfishing Bag” doesn’t just look stunning—it carries a message about the urgent need to protect marine ecosystems. The judges were unanimous in their praise, highlighting Ruth’s innovative use of materials and meticulous attention to detail.

Tezera Ketema, one of the judges, captured the essence of Ruth’s achievement, stating, “Ruth’s ‘Overfishing Bag’ is more than just an accessory; it’s a powerful statement about the need to protect our oceans and marine life. Her design exemplifies how fashion can be both beautiful and impactful.”

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the “Overfishing Bag” showcases Ruth’s technical prowess. The design is as functional and durable as it is meaningful, embodying the high standards that have come to define Ruth’s work. Her ability to tackle complex environmental issues through fashion is what sets her apart—a designer not just of clothes, but of conversations and change.

With this latest accolade, Ruth Girmay is set to represent Africa globally. Her early selection for the UK showcase is a testament to her rising influence, and her participation will undoubtedly shine a spotlight on the importance of sustainability in fashion. This event marks another milestone in Ruth’s journey, underscoring the global recognition of African designers who are making waves in the industry.

Yet, the story doesn’t end here. While Ruth’s win has been fast-tracked, the anticipation builds for the remaining awards, including the coveted People’s Choice Award, set to be announced in Addis Ababa this November. These awards will continue to celebrate innovation, sustainability, and the commercial viability of African design.

As the world watches, Ruth Girmay’s journey from Ethiopia to the UK is a powerful reminder that fashion, when intertwined with purpose, drives significant change. Her “Overfishing Bag” is not just a statement piece—it’s a call to action, and Ruth is leading the charge.

The post Ethiopian Designer Ruth Girmay Makes Waves with Her Award-Winning “Overfishing Bag” appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Karua criticized President William Ruto’s administration for reintroducing parts of the rejected Finance Bill 2024. She warned that these actions could spark nationwide protests again. Karua condemned the arbitrary arrests, abductions, and killings carried out by police during the protests, demanding that those responsible face justice.

She urged Kenyans to stay vigilant and resist any attempts to bring back controversial elements of the Finance Bill, such as the fuel levy. Karua accused President Ruto of using fear, intimidation, and the suppression of dissent as tools to crush opposition.

“We will submit this statement and more details as a formal complaint to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the UN Human Rights Commission, and other relevant organizations. Kenya must uphold the rights contained therein,” Karua said.

She questioned the fate of over 50 people who have gone missing since June 25th, asking whether they were dead or alive. Karua vowed not to stay silent, asserting that silence would make them complicit in the betrayal.

Karua blasted the government for disobeying court orders, including the use of lethal force during demonstrations, despite a court order prohibiting such actions.

She hinted at a possible return to street protests on August 27th to mark 14 years since the Constitution of Kenya 2010 was promulgated. Karua emphasized that authorities must follow the law when handling protests.

“As we approach the 14th anniversary of the promulgation of our Constitution on August 27th, we must reflect on how far we have strayed from its promise,” Karua said.

Karua also slammed the government’s plan to enter into a public-private partnership with the Adani Group for the rehabilitation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). She raised concerns about the secrecy surrounding the deal and questioned how it would benefit Kenya.

“It’s the same script the regime is using to gift the Adani Group our main gateway, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. I say ‘gift’ because this is surrounded by secrecy, and no one knows what benefit Kenya will get,” she added.

The post Karua Threatens to Move to International Courts Over Anti-Government Protests, Slams Finance Bill and JKIA Deal appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.