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.

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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.

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During a media breakfast organized by PA-K to create awareness about the organization, the CS affirmed the organization for championing initiatives promoting holistic development. 

“The multifaceted role of PA-K in nurturing the potential of young individuals cannot be overstated. The Award not only equips them with vital skills but also instills the resilience and determination needed to succeed in today’s dynamic world. By championing initiatives that promote holistic development, PA-K plays a pivotal role in shaping a generation of skilled, innovative, and physically active youth. The Award program can contribute significantly to the development of our sportsmen and women by inculcating discipline and upholding ethical values to enhance their sporting careers,” CS Ababu Namwamba said.

The occasion was graced by Hon. Ababu Namwamba, Principal Secretary, State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Mr. Ismail Maalim Madey, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Secretary General, Mr. Martin Houghton – Brown and other stakeholders and partners.

PA-K is an Agency established by an Act of Parliament, President’s Award Act No. 30 of 2017, and a state department under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports. President’s Award is an exciting self-development program available to all young people countrywide equipping them with positive life skills to make a difference for themselves, their communities, country, and the world.

The President’s Award – Kenya works very closely with the Ministry of Education mainly because of the age bracket of young people.  80% of the Programme is delivered in Educational Institutions and mainly public Institutions, however, the Award framework can support and thrive in different environments.

Young people have high levels of stress

A recent study by The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation found that young people have high levels of stress and are concerned for their mental health, physical health and fitness.

“My ask to all of us today is that in your spheres of influence please help us expand the Award across the country by raising visibility and ensuring that more young people from diversified backgrounds get the opportunity to experience the Award journey,”  CEO The president’s Award – Kenya, Ms. Nellie Munala.

The award plays a huge role in youth empowerment and the creative economy by catalyzing and nurturing a generation of dynamic, skilled, and physically active youth. Through its multifaceted approach to personal development, it not only equips young people with the tools they need to thrive in the creative economy but also instills in them the resilience, determination, and vision required to shape a prosperous future for themselves and their communities.

PA-K’s presence extends across diverse settings offering structured programs framework for youth development. In schools, it has extracurricular activity, providing opportunities for students aged 14-24, to participate in various sections of the Award program. It’s also active in colleges and universities, catering to the unique needs and aspirations of young adults, and enhancing their personal and professional development.

Empowering youth and fostering economic growth

PA-K’s initiatives align with the principles of BETA by empowering youth and fostering economic growth at the grassroots level through PA-K’s programs, youth are equipped with skills, encouraged to innovate, and enabled to contribute to their communities’ economic prosperity. Athletics and sporting contribute to gross national productivity. Kenya boasts a rich heritage in athletics, with numerous world-class athletes consistently showcasing their prowess on the global stage. The award has led to identifying and nurturing talents at a young age. 

“In closing, let us reaffirm our commitment to the vision of PA-K and continue working collaboratively towards a future where every young person can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s development,” said Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba.

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The second-born daughter of President William Ruto has also been a strong advocate for technological proficiency and engagement among the youth. The award scheme recognizes individuals, brands, companies, and businesses that have an online presence and are creating an impact through their online visibility.

The Government of Kenya launched a ten-year Information Communication Technology Digital Master plan for 2022-2023 to enhance the country’s digital economy. The Master plan identifies the key pillars as driving digital innovation for entrepreneurship and digital skills, digital infrastructure and digital services and data management,

Charlene Ruto’s digital participation is undeniable. On her Twitter page, she describes herself as “First Daughter of Kenya, daughter of President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto, Youth Champion and Climate Change Action Champion.” 

She’s also running campaigns to empower youth in agribusiness and anti-FGM campaigns among others. The youth mobilizer believes in transformative and agenda-driven leadership.

Charlene, a bee keeper and farmer is the most visible, daughter of President William Ruto. She is a Co-director of Matiny LTD which has minority shares at Weston Hotel. Charlene Ruto is the Head of Public Relations and Branding at Weston Hotel.

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In line with the country’s commitments at the Generation Equality Forum on advancing Technology and Innovation, the initiative aims to equip young girls with coding skills, spark their interest in ICT, and set them on a path to pursue careers in the field.

The Ministry of Education selected fifty girls between the ages of 17-25 to participate in the initiative, based on their high performance in science, technology, education, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. 

Minister for Education, Hon. Valentine Uwamariya, said that achieving gender equality in education remains a top priority for Rwanda.

“One of the biggest commitments of the Ministry of Education is to bridge the gender gap in STEM subjects, to reach 50/50 by 2026,” she added.

The underrepresentation of women in science and technology fields is a global concern, and in Sub-Saharan Africa, women make up only 30% of the STEM workforce.

Minister Uwamariya acknowledged that although there has been strong progress, several challenges related to gender inequality persist in the education sector, including the low representation of girls in STEM education at the secondary school level, which currently stands at 47.7%.

Speaking at the launch, UN Women Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Dr. Maxime Houinato thanked the Government of Rwanda for its strong leadership on gender equality in the science and technology sector, not just in the country but at the regional level, and further encouraged the girls to use the skills they acquire through AGCCI to tackle societal problems.

“By involving women and girls in ICT and coding, we unlock their power to create user-friendly technology that addresses the specific needs of women and girls,” said Dr. Houinato, emphasizing that bridging the gender digital divide is not just an imperative for gender equality, but also an essential accelerator for achieving sustainable development goals.

During the launch event, each of the 50 AGCCI participants received a laptop to support their learning journey as they gear up for an intensive two-week coding camp that will take place during the school holidays later this year. The coding camp will expose the girls to various subject areas to strengthen their digital literacy and work readiness. Skills acquired will include design thinking, programming, robotics, animation, and gaming, among others.

AGCCI, launched in 2018 by UN Women and the African Union Commission (AUC) in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and other partners, is dedicated to empowering girls across the African continent by equipping them with digital literacy and computer skills.

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As a first time mother in 2015, Janet Otieno-Prosper like most beginners struggled to get breastfeeding right.

“I had a preterm baby and could not get the right information on how to breastfeed him adequately and tackle the challenges during breastfeeding,” she said.

Elsewhere, happilyevermom.com blogged about her own challenging experience, writing that, “Every time I tried to nurse my newborn daughter, she flew off my breast screaming. I not only remember feeling like a failure but I also remember feeling overwhelmed and alone.”

They are not alone.  Many moms all over endure these frustrating moments, possibly due to lack of adequate preparation for breastfeeding; resulting in unexpected difficulties.

Truth is, most mothers struggle to nurse their children and are not even aware of the numerous benefits in breast milk.

Lactation experts say that even though breastfeeding is natural, it is not always automatic. As a matter of fact, only 13 per cent manage the recommended six-month exclusive breastfeeding. Yet, breastfeeding has been recognized as the optimal food for infants and young children with World Health Organization recommending it as the best way to give children a great start to life.

According to a team of researchers from the UC Davis Medical Center, moms who have trouble with breastfeeding in the first week with a new baby are the ones most likely to give up.

That said, Janet, an award-winning and experienced journalist in Early Childhood Health and Development used her personal unpleasant lactating experience in 2015, as a springboard to assist struggling mothers.

That same year she started working on a long term plan which entailed creating an information hub for mothers, fathers, doctors to easily engage, share experiences, seek moral support and get professional assistance.

“I wanted to share my experiences of circumstances which actually mirrors what other mothers were going through and see if together we could come up with solutions,” she told Woman Kenya Network. “It was in the same year that I even came up with a rough draft about the app but then pushed the idea to the back of my mind.”

But after a yearlong International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) Fellowship focusing on Early Childhood Health and Development, Janet embarked on researching, documenting, talking to mothers and lactation experts to find out more on breastfeeding.

“But I was convinced that breastfeeding struggles should not just live on pages of newspapers as they were not enough to tackle breastfeeding issues that mothers had to deal with,” she said.

Attending the 71st World Health Assembly in Geneva where breastfeeding was a topical issue gave this dream a new lease of life.

“I felt in my own small way that I should make a difference,” Janet told Woman Kenya Network. “As a mother, I wanted to come up with a solution to other struggling mums and not just make them ordinary characters in my stories.”

In November 2020, a bilingual parenting Nyonyesha App was birthed on Google Play Store, and is currently ranked number five few days upon going live. Nyonyesha is Swahili word for breastfeeding and supports both English and Kiswahili speakers.

The founder explains that the few days old mobile parenting app brings breastfeeding information at your fingertips as long as you have a smartphone and mobile data.

“Breastfeeding mothers and expectant mums will find support at every stage of their journey by getting all the relevant information. And the app goes beyond breastfeeding to offer nutritional, parenting and overall wellbeing advice for both mothers and newborns,” she said. “The app makes breastfeeding information feel sociable by acting as a support group for breastfeeding mothers as it allows them to ask questions and engage in discussions/feedback forums.”

Users will benefit from features, analysis, opinion, handy tips, instant short videos, pictorials, cartoons and audio based stories.The target is first time mothers, breastfeeding mothers, expectant mothers, fathers and parents. Meanwhile, doctors can register and post important health information on breastfeeding and child care on the app.

According to the Founder of Nyonyesha App, fathers and partners should be actively involved in parenting because breastfeeding journey is physically and emotionally demanding and, “Mothers need all the support from their partners to encourage them when it gets stressful.”

Besides, she adds, “Fathers who are involved in the breastfeeding journey by encouraging their partners create a big difference in the wellness of his child.”

Others who may find the app valuable are, “Journalists focusing on Early Childhood Development and Health.”

According to Janet, about 820,000 child deaths could be prevented annually (about 13 per cent of all under-five child deaths) by improving breastfeeding rates.

“This means breastfeeding is the perfect and unique intervention in maternal and child mortality to create a healthier society. Hence our vision which is: Breastfeed Today for a Healthier Tomorrow,” she told Woman Kenya Network.

Meet the Founder of Nyonyesha App: Janet Otieno-Prosper

 PHOTO: COURTESY

Janet Otieno-Prosper (pictured) is an award-winning journalist with over ten years’ experience in print and digital media. 

She holds a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies from The University of Nairobi. She is the founder of Nyonyesha App and African Ringer Newsletter.

She was until April,2020 the Features Editor of The Citizen, Tanzania’s leading English publication. Janet previously worked at Nation Media Group’s Digital and Africa desk in Nairobi as an editor in charge of the Southern Africa region.

She also worked as the editor of African Executive Magazine and sub-editor with Kenya Times. She is passionate about the health of women and children. Janet was honoured by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations for her articles on food security in Africa there by bagging World Food Day Media Award.

Janet is International Centre For Journalism (ICFJ) Fellow, Women in News Fellow and PesaCheck Fellow. 

She is presently undertaking the Entrepreneurial Journalism Creators Program at Craig Newman Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York. 

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