OKECH ANNETE ADHIAMBO

Annete is a Kenyan. A young community leader aged 24 and has earned a bachelor’s degree in Commerce. She has worked as a Finance Officer Intern in the Ministry of Planning and Devolution (Kenya), and also as an Accountant in the Ministry of Health (Kenya). She later volunteered as an Education Ambassador in the Ministry of Education. During this time, she provided literacy skills to young struggling learners. Her main objective was strengthening primary education outcome, promoting national cohesion through positive-ethnic interaction and understanding, and also participating in processes of community engagement and collaborative.

“No one is too experienced to learn something new”

Q: TELL US A FEW THINGS ABOUT YOUR COUNTRY, AND ALSO YOUR LIFE'S STORY!

Kenya my motherland; undoubtedly beautiful country. Located in the Eastern part of Africa, is home to more than Forty Million people. We have a total of forty-seven counties and forty-two ethnic groups. Our national language is Swahili. The capital city, Nairobi, is one of the most developed cities in Africa. We have produced some of the world's best marathon athletes too. Kenya has vibrant cultures which vary from food, clothing, languages and even traditional dances and festivals. We have amazing landscapes, the Savannah grasslands and woodlands, mountain ranges, coastal region, beautiful plains and natural rain forests. The tropical weather makes most places cool. We also have exotic wildlife consisting of different kinds of animals. Well, it is the home to the Great Wildebeest Migration, which was named one of the Seven New Wonders of the world. Our main export commodities are coffee, tea and horticultural products.

Kenya is my home, and I am proud to be a Kenyan. My life's journey started way back on a Thursday evening in 1994. I am the second born in a humble family of six. We have been living in the rural part of Kenya's Lake region since the 1990’s. I am privileged to have attended the best schools from my junior level to university level. My life after university in 2016 was a challenging one. I was welcomed to the world of being independent in an unexpected way. At that time I was also a survivor of gender-based violence, and I needed to go through a lot of medical, psychological and emotional healing sessions to be fit. The whole process was so difficult for me. This motivated me to get into community activism in peacebuilding. I felt the need to rise above the societal expectations that teach girls not to be tough. My life's fight is for women; we need to be respected in the community because it's our right and we deserve it.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR VIEW OF THE WORLD AS IT IS TODAY? AND HOW DO YOU DEFINE THE CONCEPT OF A BETTER WORLD?

The world today is becoming inclusive. Illiteracy and poverty rates have reduced. Digitization has changed the way we view ourselves and the world at large, it is driving our society and reflections. But still, we do have some challenges in developments. The variations between nations and regions (global inequalities) are visible.

To me, a better world is equal opportunities and treatments to everyone; where we all live in peace, and security. Where everyone can be included to have a say in the decision making processes from grass root levels. And where we can all live decently and healthy!

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY CHALLENGES IN YOUR SOCIETY?

Coming from a culturally diverse society does not only have pros but cons too. Negative ethnicity is a challenge that we have to encounter each and every day. As a result, we see a divided country. Climate change has become a menace too, from natural havoc such as flooding to droughts. This has affected most Kenyans who are subsistence farmers. Other challenges are poverty, unemployment and slow economic growth.

Q: AS A YOUNG INDIVIDUAL WHAT ARE A FEW OF THE HURDLES THAT YOU HAD TO OVERCOME UP UNTIL TODAY?

I do believe as a young person, I am a change driver. We form the majority of a country's population, but we are neglected or rather not given the chance to maximize our contribution in decision-making processes in challenges affecting us; from high rates of unemployment and problems in accessing funds. As an unemployed youth, I have to keep on doing extra for a better living. Combating unemployment and other issues affected me is my responsibility.

Q: WHY IS THE ROLE OF A MENTOR IMPORTANT FOR YOU?

A mentor sees my strengths, capabilities and gifts. Nurturing possibilities and helping me flourish. The close relationship between me and my mentor makes me earn trust to talk about my insecurity or hopes.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A LESSON THAT LIFE HAS TAUGHT YOU AND YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

I believe life is all about learning different virtues. No one is too experienced to learn something new. One of the most essential virtues that I have been able to put into practice is the art of empathy; being able to understand someone else's emotions, needs and wants. With empathy and the ability to use the language of responsibility, I believe we can treat one another better and avoid negative conflicts.

Q: NAME A PROJECT, A FOUNDATION OR A PERSON IN YOUR COUNTRY THAT YOU THINK IS DOING GREAT WORK IN HELPING IMPROVE OTHER PEOPLE'S LIVES!

The UMOJA VILLAGE in Samburu Kenya. This is a "women-only village" that was founded in 1990 by 15 women who were survivors of rape by the local British soldiers. The women had been denounced by their families. Around 200 children and 50 women live in this village.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT WOMEN IN YOUR COUNTRY FACE AND WHAT EFFORTS ARE MADE TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY?

It is evident how women are becoming "predators" in a society that labelled them as "preys". Many women are now competing with men for leadership and political seats. But still, we are not there yet.

In my country, the traditional perspectives about women's roles have limited their contributions in development agendas. Women are underrepresented in some vital decision-making processes. We don't have the same access to employment, education or even land as compared to the male counterparts. In the rural villages, young girls are still victims of gender-based violence; from forced early marriages to Female Genital Mutilation.

In order to tackle the gender equality issue, the Kenyan 2010 constitution gave women more rights in leadership, employment, land ownership, education, and marriage. There are also policies and affirmative action programs that are aiming in empowering women. Non-governmental organizations are coming up with initiatives that aim in creating a safe space for women and enhancing their access to opportunities in the economic spheres.

Q: ATHENA40 IS THE FIRST EVER GLOBAL SELECTION OF THE TOP 40 WOMEN FORWARD THINKERS, COMMENTATORS, ACTIVISTS, AUTHORS, ACADEMICS, ENTREPRENEURS, EXECUTIVES, INNOVATORS. CAN YOU THINK OF A TRULY INNOVATIVE AND FORWARD-THINKING WOMAN FROM YOUR COUNTRY THAT YOU WISH TO NOMINATE FOR THE ATHENA40 GLOBAL LIST?

Rebecca Lolosoli - Founder, Umoja Village.

Q: SHARE WITH US A PHRASE, A POEM OR A STORY THAT YOU LOVE OR YOU FIND INTERESTING!

"Culture does not make people. People make culture. If it is true that the full humanity of women is not our culture, then we can and must make it our culture." - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Author

Q: TELL US ONE THING THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM YOUR MENTOR.

My mentor has taught me the ability to push past my limits; self-belief and confidence in every step that I take. And optimism in achieving what I feel is impossible.