I have spent years of my life in Kenya. It is my second home and there is an entire community of people there that welcome me and claim me as their own. And for that fact and many others I am so grateful to my Kenyan family.
When I am in Sirembe, at home (Mrs. Opot's home), I feel cherished, loved, and protected. Juanita Opot, my Kenyan partner, makes sure of that, but I also feel this from the larger community and especially all of the Kenyan women I know and love.
I am amazed by Kenyan women. Their fortitude, their beauty, their perseverance through difficulties, their joy, their humor, their love and their ability to work harder than anyone else I have ever seen--male or female, worldwide. This even goes for women up into their eighties. They are pillars of strength that provide the foundation for their community.
Every year during Women's Month we raise money for our "Support Other Women. Period." campaign wherein we raise the money to buy 1,000 Kenyan school girls AFRIpads maxi-pads that will last them an entire year. It is a powerful way for women (and some wonderful men) to support other women and provide a simple solution to a serious problem.
In honor of International Women's Day, I wanted to share something beautiful that I have learned from Luo culture (Luo is the predominant tribe in the area where we work) that might inspire us to find specific ways to support each other.
In Luo culture, traditionally girls leave their parents' home and move to another area to get married and join their husband's home. Many women in Sirembe grew up in another area, and you hear these hometowns referenced in the greetings. So for instance, my Kenyan best friend's English name is Christine, but she is called “Nyarkisumu” by most people, which translates to “girl from Kisumu”. Mrs. Opot is originally from the town of Siaya, so she is sometimes called “Nyarsiaya.” There are variations of this all over.
When I first started spending time in Sirembe and learning about Luo culture I thought at first that it was dismissive like “oh she's just a girl from___.” But when I really started paying attention, I realized that it is more often used as a term of endearment. Especially from one woman to another.
Instead of it being a lack of recognition, it was the opposite—by calling you by the name of where you are from they are telling you that they know something extra about you. Like “I know where you are from” or more simply “I see you”. Men use this phrasing too, but I hear it much more amongst women.
At some point over the years, I was given the name “Nyarsirembe” and so many people from the area call me that when I am there. They always say it with such gusto too, like they want me to know that they mean it. They have claimed me as a “girl from Sirembe” and it is one of the greatest honors of my life.
We can learn from this beautiful tradition and, especially today, reach out to women whom we love and admire and tell them something special about them that you know and appreciate. It always feels good to really feel seen.
Women constantly inspire me. Women of various cultures, races, and ages—in all stages of their journeys. Although our differences span far and wide—there seems to be so much more that connects us. Our struggles, both collective and individual—our failures, our successes. Women are magnificent and our abilities are vast and awe-inspiring. I feel blessed to know all of the beautiful women who are in my global family. I love you all and you inspire me daily. To every woman across the world, know that you deserve to be seen and celebrated, and even if only just for today, then let's do that for ourselves and each other! Happy Women's Day!
With Love & Gratitude,
Sarah