Rising to the challenge

By Monica Soila

Women and leadership has since taken a whole new dimension, especially in politics, in the wake of the new constitution; which hold up for a greater female electoral representation.

It has not been easy for some of these women who are bold enough to want to take up leadership positions. One of the biggest hindrances has been culture, overcoming attitudes of prejudice against female political engagements.

In Kajiado County, people are gradually adopting to the change as it was evident during the general elections of 2013 where Hon. Peris Pesi Tobiko beat the male dominated lineup to clinch the Parliamentary seat for Kajiado East Constituency. This was amid fierce opposition especially from elders who would not picture a woman standing in front of them and addressing them; culturally, it was unheard of.

The story is similar to that of Mrs. Rose Shaasha, the assistant chief for Oloosidan sub-location, Oloosidan Location, Isinya sub-county.

Mr.Stephen Tipanko-Chief,Oloosidan Location, Mrs.Agnes Saiyai,Sub-Chief,Korrompoi Sub-Location, Mrs.Rose Shaasha-Sub-Chief,Oloosidan Sub-location

“My husband discovered leadership qualities in me for a long time, and he encouraged me to apply for an assistant chief position which was vacant in Kisaju Location, back in 2010”,said Mrs.Shaasha.

After thinking deeply about the idea, Mrs.Shaasha decided to give it a try whereby she sought support primarily from the elders. After some consultations with the community, she had the green light from them and then she approached women and youth in the community for the same.

She successfully applied for the post and was invited for an interview, of which she had confidence of emerging the best. This was never to be after an alleged ‘cooking’ of the results.

Mrs.Shaasha

“I felt so bad because i was openly denied the win just because i am a woman, and that’s why i had to push for justice”, asserts Mrs.Shaasha.

The issue got the attention of former area MP the Late Prof.George Saitoti, who decided to propose a formation of a new Location, Oloosidan.

Mrs.Saiyai

“I didn’t want to be appointed to a new location, infact i almost gave up, but the community approached and talked to me, i just couldn’t say no to them”, she adds.

She applied for assistant chief, Oloosidan sub-location of Oloosidan Location early this year and this time round she had no competition or opposition whatsoever.

“It has been such a long journey for me since 2011, but i have strongly learned to trust God and His plans”, says the mother of three who is also a born-again Christian.

With the wave of insecurity and killings being reported in some parts of the country, she hopes that leaders will take up their rightful responsibilities and peace will prevail soon.

“The cause of some of these deeds is because injustice must have been committed at some point, triggering hatred and bloodshed, and so as leaders we need to protect our people by doing what’s right always”, she says.

On the issue of FGM, she terms it as torture and against human rights, and she would never support it.

“It surprises me that some women take to the streets in support of FGM, i am hoping that change catches up with them really soon, so as to see things from a realistic perspective. I wish to work with the relevant stakeholders on this matter to advocate and educate the community on dangers of this practice”, said Mrs.Shaasha.

One of the challenges she faces in her line of duty is that mostly men don’t want to report any issues to her, as they rather talk directly to the chief (they prefer a man). Others would not follow any rules just because they think that she sets them.

Agnes and Rose during a past national event

“Change is a process so i am not surprised, everything will workout with time. For now nothing will distract me from my duties, not even the negative attitude i encounter from a section of men”, she says.

With the interest of the community in her heart, the sky is not the limit for Mrs.Shaasha; she could even be having bigger plans come 2017!