What is it that makes a strong woman?
What is it that makes a strong woman? Some might say an impressive intellect, others may say that physical ability is important. But I think that we can all agree that what really makes a woman strong is when she embraces her own femininity, and those of the women around her. It doesn’t matter where in the world she is, or what life experiences she faces, a woman can either choose to let her body be her strength or her weakness. The Familia girls in Kenya have chosen the former.
These ladies are not wrapped in cotton wool, they have seen and been through things in life that you and I could not imagine. Yet they shared some very important information with the girls around them on Saturday. They organized a football match, some special guest speakers from a nearby hospital for girl talk, and the distribution of environmentally sustainable, re-usable sanitary pads to every girl who attended. In Kenya, it is an occurrence too common that girls skip school or even drop out because they do not have access to feminine hygiene products. That is why this event is so significant.
Over 40 girls in total arrived, ready to play some fierce football, and that is exactly what they did! Even the gateman and caretaker got involved by cheering the teams on. The two teams, Blue shirts and Black shirts, went head to head, and played an exciting game of football that resulted in a tie 2-2. A nail-biting penalty shot round broke the tie and proclaimed the Black shirts as the winners. However, as spectator and footballer-in-training 7 year old Dylan said, “Everyone was a winner.” After speaking with the girls the next day, they all agreed that the highlights included an amazing goal by Faith in the heat of the game, which got everyone excited – especially house Mum Sheila who ran in immediately to give her a big hug and tell her how proud she was! Also giving an impressive performance was Melissa, who is not a regular player of football but as goalkeeper she caught 3 balls! One of these kicks hit her in the face, and even though she couldn’t see properly after this, she kept going – I couldn’t think of a better example of perseverance. Lunch of rice and beans was served with refreshments, to help the girls recover from the intense physical exertion in the sun. Then, the most important part of the day happened.
Dr Sarah, Dr Lucy, Winnie and Wakesho, from a nearby hospital, were the special guests who explained aspects of feminine hygiene and general empowerment of oneself in life. Shortly after, Sheila distributed packs of 5 re-usable pads to the girls with instructions on how to use them and care for them for up to 5 years. These girls now all have a chance to continue their schooling without having to depend on anyone else for these products. Their femininity perhaps was once a weakness, and now they have the chance to see it as their strength. For the Familia girls to organize this event, and share such important lessons on inner strength with the girls around them, is an achievement that we can all relate and aspire to. How many of us have wanted to share our life lessons with those who are younger than us? Or even our younger selves? To say that we can be proud, independent and strong in our bodies, exactly as we are. Congratulations to the Familia girls for pulling off a successful and meaningful event!
