Kenya holds a special place in my heart. It is a beautiful and youthful nation. We were told that 77% of Kenya’s population is under 30! In Nairobi, Vital Voices alumnae Eva Muraya and Phyllis Mwangi gathered 40 powerful women for networking and training on leadership. The group included businesswomen, scientists, educators, health professionals, lawyers, bankers, and community leaders. I was inspired by all that the women had achieved, and struck by the continued discrimination women face in accessing credit and growing their businesses in spite of their proven success. I especially appreciated their willingness to mentor others, as young women so desperately need to be connected to the generation of trailblazing women leaders if progress toward equality is to continue.

While in Nairobi we also visited the community of Kibera, where Phyllis is working with women artisans to develop their crafts for export. This community has long been notorious for poverty and violence, and suffered greatly during the recent post-election turmoil. However, when we walked in to see the women, it was like visiting an oasis in the desert. Their vibrant songs and bold, colorful crafts demonstrated the resilience and strength they have to move change their lives and those of others.

After leaving Nairobi, we ventured to the Maasai Mara area, and drove another 4 hours in Transmara West to the village of Enoosaen, to participate in the ground-breaking of the Kakenya Leadership School for girls, which will be the only girls boarding school in the area.