Lead image for From Wangari Maathai to Nyiva Mwendwa: The women who changed Kenya.
The story of women’s struggles and achievements in Kenya rarely get documented because of socio-cultural, structural, educational and economic inequalities in society. Yet, historically, women have played pivotal roles in shaping the destiny of the country, providing visionary leadership and championing social, economic and political causes, leaving an indelible imprint on the journey towards a modern and democratic state.
The recent publication and launch of Distinguished Women Leaders: Profiles in Courage and Service Leadership in Nation Building represents a major step in documenting and celebrating distinguished women who have made a mark in Kenya’s history. They traverse various sectors and demonstrate versatility, resilience and dogged determination to build an equal and fair society.
The Cover of Distinguished Women Leaders: Profiles in Courage and Service Leadership in Nation Building authored by Chief Justice Martha Koome and edited by lawyer Joe Kilonzo.
Authored by Chief Justice Martha Koome and edited by lawyer Joe Kilonzo, the publication is a compilation of a list of prominent women in law, politics, education, social development, human rights, business and religion, providing a canvas for discussing gender issues from a multi-dimensional perspective.
Read: Trailblazer Phoebe Asiyo and the brave women who fought to change Kenya
The list of about 70 distinguished women includes names of pioneering women lawyers and judges such as Justices Effie Owuor, Joyce Aluoch and Kaplana Rawal, who made considerable contributions towards transforming the Judiciary in the heady days when the bench was dominated by males.