Women Achievers Programme

This programme was commenced in 1994 and has three components:

Women in History

The historical women figures that were identified included Menyaziwa wa Menza (aka Ole Mekatilili)- who was a freedom fighter from Coast; Wangu wa Makeri – freedom fighter from Central; Mang’ana Ogonje Nyar Ugu – was the first African female colonial chief in Western Kenya; Moraa Moka Ngiti – a female freedom fighter from Nyanza (Kisii); Field Marshall Muthon – a freedom fighter from Central; Eiokalaine O-M’barugu-an assistant chief in pre-independent Kenya in Eastern; Jemima Gecaga- First woman to be nominated in the legislative council (Legco), Priscilla Ingasiani Abwao- the woman who attended the Legco in Lancaster house.

The Women in History that were profiled and published included:

• Profile 1: Case Study of Chief Mang'ana wa Kadem in Western Kenya. By Dr Theodoara Ayot. Publication 1994

• Profile 2: Wangu wa Makeri: A pioneering Kenyan feminist. By Nyakwea Wai. Publication 1994

• Profile 3: Moraa Moka Ngiti (Defender of freedom-Abagusi). By Dr Mary Getui. Publication 1994

• Profile 4: The Women's Campaign: Mekatilili and the Giriama resistance of 1913-1914. By Dr Mildred Ndenda. Publication 1994

• Profile 5: Ciokalaine O M'barungu: The Woman sub-chief of Igembe, Nyambene. By Edith Mururu

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  Profile 6: A Study of Kobilo Kwondoab Kimosop: A Tugen medicine woman in Barigo. By Sophia Ayoo

Women in Development

Some of the women in development who were researched on include Dr Eddah Gachukia (an educationalist), Prof. Wangari Maathai (an environmentalist), Prof. Florida Karani (an educationalist), Prof. Leah Marangu (an educationalist), Elizabeth Masiga (a senior civil servant in education), Rev Lucie Okuthe ( a religious leader), Ms Jane Nyambura (a religious leader), Ms Mary Okelo (a banker), Dr Jennifer Riria (a corporate leader), Margaret Githinji (senior civil servant), Ms Rebecca Njau (a writer), Ms Asha Suleiman (a journalist), Ms Ruth Waithera (an athlethe), Ms Monica Muloko (a trade unionist), Lady Justice Effie Owuor (a judge).

The Women in Development (Achievers) that were profiled and published included:

• Profile 1: Dr Murugi Kahangi (A research scientist in Bio-Technology". By Nyakwea Wai. Publication 1998

• Profile 2: Elizabeth Masiga (a senior civil servant in education). By Sophia Ayoo and Edith Mururu. Publication 1996

• Profile 3: Kimoi Kobot Kipkering (A herbal medicine researcher and practitioner). By Margaret Morumbasi. Publication 1996

• Profile 4: (see Women in Politics below)

• Profile 5: Margaret Gathoni Motsi. Publication 1998

• Profile 6: (see Women in Politics below)

• Profile 7: Petina Nekesa. Publication 1998

Women in Politics1

Some of the women in politics who were researched on include Hon. Josephine Sinyo, Hon. Mary Wanjiru, Hon. Catherine Nyamato, Hon. Zipporah Kitonny, Hon. Charity Ngilu, Hon. Beth Mugo, Hon Marere wa Mwachai, Hon. Miriam Matano, Hon. Tabitha Sei, Hon. Grace Muema, and Hon. Martha Karua.

The Women in Politics (Achievers) that were profiled and published included:

• Profile 4: Josephine Odira Sinyo: The unsighted lawyer of vision. By Dr. Sheila Paryvn Wamahiu. Publication 1997

• Profile 6: Dr Julia Auma Ojiambo. Publication 1998

Matrix of Women Achievers Programme