The F Word: Does feminism have anything to offer Kenya?

For many women in Kenya, the label “feminist” is a dirty word loaded with more baggage than a despot and his wife in Paris for a shopping weekend. Even amongst young women, feminism is viewed as a toxic label to be avoided, even where the individual generally ascribes to the tenets of feminism. 

The goal of this conversation is to examine this phenomenon, especially the origins of the feminist movement in Kenya and where the movement stands today. In a candid conversation with self-identified feminists and those who reject the label, we hope to get to the root of this tension and examine it in light of the lived realities of Kenyan people of all genders. Does feminism have anything to offer Kenya or are its benefits only for small portions of the population?

Key discussion points:

• Why is feminism a dirty word for so many Kenyan women? Where did the word get all this baggage?
• Is feminism a theory for women? Does feminism have something to offer everyone, regardless of gender?
• How has technology changed feminism in Kenya?

Invited Speakers:

• Aisha Ali Haji, The Atieno Project
• Sarah Muhoya, League of Kenyan Women Voters
• Terryanne Chebet, Journalist
• Njeri Kabeberi, CSO Reference Group

Format of Discussion:

A panel discussion that will contextualize issues to the audience. This will be infused with a public dialogue, Q&A with participants engaging with the panel and the forum.

About the Foundation

Being part of the Green political movement that has developed worldwide as a response to the traditional politics of socialism, liberalism, and conservatism, the Heinrich Böll Stiftung is a Green Political Foundation, affiliated to the German political party “Alliance ’90 / The Greens”. The regional office for East and Horn of Africa is a people-centric green think-tank, based in Nairobi since 2001. In our work, we facilitate open dialogue, undertake studies and forge partnerships with and among communities in East & Horn of Africa along the core themes of Gender, Environment, Democracy and International Dialogue.

About the Gender Forum

The Gender Forum is a monthly public dialogue convened by the Heinrich Böll Stiftung since 2001, encouraging dialogue on pertinent national social issues with a gendered lens. It brings together scholars, law makers and implementers, civil activists, government institutions, students and the general public, aiming at sharing knowledge and inspiring gendered analysis of policy and programmes.

Participate in the this debate on Twitter

@HBSNairobi  #GenderForum