Esther Passaris
Kenya
I am a believer in the inalienable rights to non-discrimination, dignity, equality and respect for
all human beings of who women are an integral part.
I am an entrepreneur businesswoman in Nairobi, Kenya. I am the founder and
chief executive officer of Adopt A Light Ltd, a private company engaged in the
provision of outdoor advertising services in Kenya and which pioneered public
private partnership arrangement in the development of lighting infrastructure
in the City of Nairobi. I am also studying for a degree in law as a part time
student at the University of Nairobi.
I am a believer in the inalienable rights to non-discrimination, dignity, equality
and respect for all human beings of who women are an integral part. I know
for certain that liberating women – allowing them the space to fully express
and fulfil themselves intellectually, emotionally, economically and socially will
release powerful fountains of intellect, knowledge, creativity, entrepreneurship,
and inherent goodness that reside in the being of every woman and thus
contribute towards making our world an infinitely better place. I am therefore
passionate about the empowerment of women.
Feminists in Africa face a myriad challenges which include high levels of
poverty which exacerbate the social-economic obstacles facing women;
entrenched cultural biases; changing roles and responsibilities and increasing
financial and emotional burden befalling women as the pillars of the family on
account of absentee fathers; unequal access to opportunities in most spheres;
and dominance of the male in the political and economic spheres. Hence
feminists have to swim against a strong tide of prejudices, stereotyping,
negative attitudes and limited means.
The feminist movement can be strengthened by supporting the development
and networking of women’s organizations within and between countries
and help build their capacity to synergize and propagate feminist’s ideals;
encouraging the participation of feminists in politics and business whence they
can acquire the resources, tools and platforms to organize into strong lobbies
for women’s rights and causes; and supporting the education of women and
promote the feminist movement amongst women in education thus creating an
incubator for feminists.
Personally, I participate regularly in television/radio talk shows and speak
at various youth and women’s forums to advance the agenda of women’s
empowerment and provide inspiration to young women. I co-founded a
secondary school that enrols bright girls from extremely impoverished families.
Where I can, I provide jobs and material support to women. I support the
Kenya Breast Health Programme, and the Nairobi Women’s Hospital which
assists girls/women victims of sexual violence and abuse. I am member of the
African-Spanish Women’s Network for a Better World. I have also sought to be
elected to parliament.
I am inspired by African women who demonstrate unbreakable resolve and
resilience to overcome numerous hurdles and work tirelessly to improve their
lives and those of their families. I am inspired by go-getters who rise to the top
of academic and business and by the laughter, exuberance and optimism of
children and the promise they represent.
VPS II
. 109