A documentary film that aims to shine a light on the largely overlooked contributions of grassroots women leaders has premiered in Nairobi.
The project, created by Badili Africa, a civil society group, was screened at the Westgate Cinema on September 21.
The documentary, The King Makers: Unseen Faces, Unheard Voices, hopes to raise awareness on the plight of women political mobilizers while advocating for a stronger, more inclusive and secure civic space as an enabler for grassroots women and political aspirants to engage meaningfully in governance.
Bina Maseno, Badili Africa founder said: “Politically active women in Kenya, especially grassroots organizers, often face violence and harassment.”
“These attacks, both in person and online, present significant barriers to their full participation in politics. While existing research has examined violence against political candidates, it largely ignores the essential role of women political mobilizers who are the real behind-the-scenes king makers during election campaigns.”
The audience at the premiere included the Honourables Millie Mabona, Member of Parliament Suba North, Njeri Maina, the Women Representative Kerugoya, and Waithera Chege, Member County Assembly South B Ward.
Others were ambassadors Dr. Josephine Ojiambo, of the University of Nairobi and Caroline Vicini of Sweden among other luminaries in Kenya’s civil society, diplomatic and political spaces.
“There is a lot that goes unspoken in political spaces for women, especially for women candidates and grassroots mobilizers, many who go through harrowing experiences including violence, intimidation and even divorce. This documentary attempts to break the silence and commendably gives a voice to many specific issues affecting women political mobilizers since their role is not institutionalised in our political eco-system”, said Hon. Mabona.
Badili Africa notes in a statement that grassroots women leaders in organizations such as chamas and nyumba kumi networks hold the potential to shape Kenya’s political future, but their influence is often unrecognised, unsupported, and untapped.
“As king makers on the ground, we help to redefine political leadership and public representation in this country. We want change where the politicians and leaders in power today don’t just come to us to benefit from our influence in the grassroots, but also advocate for equal participation and resource for us and all,” Caroline Awuor, a woman political mobilizer from Embakasi Central in Nairobi, popular as ‘Mama Yao’ and who is featured in the documentary said.
“This is vital if we are to achieve inclusive political participation and strengthen the position of women mobilizers in our democratic processes.”
