Stories of Sabaot Women: Carren Kiki Cherotich

 

                                                          Carren Kiki Cherotich

Please tell us your name and where you come from.

My name is Carren Kiki Cherotich. I was born and raised in Kapsokwony, Mt. Elgon sub-county.

What has been your academic journey? Please walk us through it.

I will simply mention the schools. I went to Kapsokwony Primary School in Mt. Elgon where I walked 9 kilometres to access education. Thereafter, I was briefly at Hambale Academy in Vihiga County and, later, Kakamega Primary School. I later went to Kaimosi Girls High School for my secondary education and finally Daystar University and the Catholic University of East Africa, Kenya.

What is your profession and what does it entail?

I do not have a specific profession since I have studied different programs. My knowledge and capabilities extend across various fields.

Did you always desire to be in this field?

Yes, for sure. I love diversity.

What challenges have you faced in your growth? How did you overcome them?

Societal expectations and pressure; pressure to conform to societal expectations around appearance, behavior and roles. Coming from a minority community in Kenya, I have missed better opportunities because of how our politics and governance are oriented.  I am a tenacious   individual and a go-getter. I push myself to elastic limits to get what I think I deserve. I have managed this by getting great mentors who advocate for gender equity and have held my hand in tough situations and cheered me on.

Let’s talk about the Sabaot girl child, what, in your opinion, is the greatest challenge facing a young Sabaot woman today?

Some of the greatest challenges they face include limited access to education and job opportunities, early marriages and pregnancies and harmful cultural practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). These challenges limit their ability to reach their full potential and live fulfilling lives. Moreover, gender-based violence, including sexual violence and domestic abuse, is also a significant concern for many young women in the Sabaot community. These issues can have a detrimental effect on their physical and mental health, as well as their overall well-being.

Addressing these challenges will require an all-round approach that involves improving access to education and economic opportunities, promoting gender equality and women's rights, and combating harmful cultural practices and gender-based violence.

Do you think they have reached their full potential? If not, what do you think is preventing them from being outstanding?

It is worth noting that Sabaot women have made significant strides in recent years in areas such as education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and leadership. For the first time, we have more women in leadership compared to previous years: we have a WOMAN Deputy Governor, Woman Representative and other women in senior leadership roles both in government and private sectors.

What, then, in your opinion, should we do to make them great? What should the Sabaot girl child do to excel?

Education is key to unlocking opportunities and achieving one's potential. Governments, NGOs, and communities can work together to ensure that all Sabaot girls have access to quality education including addressing issues such as school fees, gender-based violence in schools, and cultural practices that may limit girls' access to education. Build more education facilities, improve and upgrade schools like Kibuk Girls and Kapsokwony Boys to Extra-County or even national level, why not?

Empowering Sabaot girls and women means giving them the tools and resources they need to succeed including access to financial resources, entrepreneurship training and leadership development. This can be achieved through community-based initiatives and other programs.

Harmful cultural practices such as FGM and early marriages have played a major role in limiting the Sabaot girls’ potential and harming their health. It is important to work with Sabaot community leaders and stakeholders to raise awareness about the negative effects of these practices and promote alternatives that protect the rights and well-being of girls. I am glad that my mother has been an advocate for alternative rites of passage as opposed to FGM.

Gender-based violence, including sexual violence and domestic abuse, is a significant issue for many Sabaot girls and women. This can be addressed through education, awareness-raising campaigns, and legal and policy reforms that protect the rights of women and girls and hold perpetrators accountable.

Having positive role models and mentors from home, that is, from Mt. ELGON and from outside can be a powerful motivator for girls to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals. Community-based mentorship programs can be established to connect girls with successful women in various fields. This is to say creating an environment that supports and empowers Sabaot girls and women to reach their full potential will require an all-round approach that involves individuals, communities, and governments working together to address the challenges they face.

Let’s go back to you. What three words best describe you?

Goal oriented. Strong-willed. Resourceful.

What achievements are you most proud of?

Two key achievements: passing my second degree with First Class Honors and creating a loving and nurturing home environment makes me proud of my role as a mother and the impact I have had on my daughter’s life.

Do you have any role models (women) that you look up to? Why?

My mother. Dr. Susan Koech, (Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Kenya), Condoleeza Rice (American diplomat) Hillary Clinton (American politician) and Hon. Alice Wahome (Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation)

What plans do you have for the future?

Well, let me just say God establishes our steps.

Parting shot? 

Sabaot young women should believe in themselves and their abilities. One is capable of achieving anything they set their minds to and they have the power to make a positive impact in the world.  They should not let anyone tell them that they cannot do something because of their gender, ethnicity, or any other factor.  They should surround themselves with positive role models and mentors who will encourage and support them in their goals. They should remember that failure and setbacks are a natural part of the journey to success so they should not give up when things get tough. They should keep pushing forward.

So, go out there and make a difference!