Item Themes: Leadership and Governance

Phase 2: Using Creative Media to Support Realization of Gender Equality

Media Focus on Africa is excited to announce the launch of county-level public screenings of the Filamu Dada films, combined with interactive discussions, set to begin in January 2025. These screenings will take place in the seven counties where the remarkable women leaders featured in the films come from. With support from the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program, the initiative aims to celebrate women’s leadership, foster community engagement, and inspire future generations of female leaders. The screenings will provide a platform for local audiences to engage with filmmakers, activists, and the women themselves, exploring their personal journeys and the broader social and political issues they face. This project is part of Media Focus on Africa’s ongoing commitment to amplifying the voices of women and encouraging dialogue on important social issues.

Media representation of women matters. If we want to see more women in leadership in the real world, girls need to see more women leaders in the world of entertainment. Having women as role models in popular media inspires girls to aim higher. However, movies/films, impactful as they are, tend to perpetuate gender inequality creating a vicious cycle as societal stereotypes influence filmmakers (mostly male) who in turn create art that adds to the said stereotypes. Filamu Dada targeted female filmmakers to increase the number of women in filmmaking and production in Kenya relative to men. This is to increase the number of stories about women and the voices of women in films and documentaries.

Media Focus on Africa (MFA) believes in the transformative role of media in achieving gender equality. This is through gender-sensitive and gender-transformative content that breaks gender stereotypes and challenges traditional, social, and cultural norms and attitudes regarding gender. Content such as Filamu Dada.

In 2022/2023 MFA supported the Filamu za Akina Dada Uongozini program, popularly referred to as Filamu Dada. 7 pairs (a producer and director) of Kenyan female filmmakers were supported to produce 7 short internationally compliant Kenyan creative documentaries on 7 women leaders from across the country. The full list of the films and the filmmakers is as follows:

DONYA: Voice of The People- Hon. Donya Dorice Aburi (County Woman MP Kisii) produced by Irene Mukonyoro & Debra Ngeru

CHEPTIKONYOL- Hon. Cynthia Muge Rotich (County Women MP Nandi)  produced by Miriam Koske & Cherotich Kibet

GENOWA- HE, Hon. Gladys Wanga (Governor Homabay County) produced by Sandra Ruong’o & Wendy Kirorei

Etomononi Nagol- Caroline Ncharo (Assistant Chief Kajiado) produced by Cynthia Abdallah, Ivy Kagai & Skeeter Imisa

The Nomads Daughter- Mumina Gollo Bonaya (County Woman MP Isiolo) produced by Gumato Denge & Aisha Hussein

Ma-itu- Sabina Chege (Nominated MP Muranga County)  produced by Sally Ngoiri & Joan Rispa Kiragu

The Force Within- HE, Hon Cecily Mbarire (Governor Embu County)  produced by Ashley Murugi & Joan Kabugu

These screenings of the Filamu Dada films in the Counties where the women leaders hail from will increase awareness about women and leadership. The films show/present the women leaders in their leadership roles and as experts on a diversity of topics. The facilitated dialogues that accompany the screenings are a platform for open and frank discussions that will challenge popular stereotypes about women and leadership. The involvement of men, faith, and community leaders in the facilitated dialogues will foster debate and engagement critical for the construction of new social and cultural gender norms and ideologies. Ultimately this will create an environment that enables girls’ and women’s full enjoyment of their human rights and fulfillment of their fullest potential.

Despite improvement in the 2022 elections, women are still significantly underrepresented in political leadership and decision-making positions in Kenya. Following the elections, women make up only 10.6% of all elected leaders (201 of 1882). There’s a need for more elected women leaders across the board in line with the constitution’s two-third gender principle for elective bodies. Films/documentaries such as Filamu Dada can play a part in this.

Phase 1: Using Creative Media to Support Realization of Gender Equality

Media Focus on Africa is pleased to announce the commencement of a new phase of public screenings of the Filamu Dada films combined with interactive discussions. These public screenings and dialogue will take place in each of the 7 counties where the 7 women leaders who are subjects of the films hail from. These public screenings have been made possible by the support of the Canadian High Commission in Kenya via the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI)

Media Focus on Africa (MFA) believes in the transformative role of creative media in achieving gender equality. In 2022/2023 MFA supported the Filamu za Akina Dada Uongozini program, popularly referred to as Filamu Dada. 7 pairs (a producer and director) of Kenyan female filmmakers were supported to produce 7 short internationally compliant Kenyan creative documentaries on 7 women leaders from across the country. The full list of the films and the filmmakers is as follows:

DONYA: Voice of The People- Hon. Donya Dorice Aburi (County Woman MP Kisii) produced by Irene Mukonyoro & Debra Ngeru

CHEPTIKONYOL- Hon. Cynthia Muge Rotich (County Women MP Nandi)  produced by Miriam Koske & Cherotich Kibet

GENOWA- HE, Hon. Gladys Wanga (Governor Homabay County) produced by Sandra Ruong’o & Wendy Kirorei

Etomononi Nagol- Caroline Ncharo (Assistant Chief Kajiado) produced by Cynthia Abdallah, Ivy Kagai & Skeeter Imisa

The Nomads Daughter- Mumina Gollo Bonaya (County Woman MP Isiolo) produced by Gumato Denge & Aisha Hussein

Ma-itu- Sabina Chege (Nominated MP) Muranga County  produced by Sally Ngoiri & Joan Rispa Kiragu

The Force Within- HE, Hon Cecily Mbarire (Governor Embu County)  produced by Ashley Murugi & Joan Kabugu

The films were officially launched on 5th October 2023 at the National Museums in a ceremony attended by the women leaders among other dignitaries. Initial public screenings of the films followed with interactive discussions took place in Kitale and at Alliance Francaise in Nairobi. The films were also screened at the Movies that Matter film festival in the Hague, Netherlands.

The Rationale for Using Creative Media to Support Realization of Gender Equality in Political Participation and Representation in Kenya

The movie/film industry (creative media) is one of the most influential branches of media. It reaches billions of viewers across the world shaping the beliefs and opinions of people. Impactful as they are, movies/films tend to perpetuate gender inequality. Portrayals in films reinforce societal gender stereotypes. Roles played by women on screen that reinforce negative gender stereotypes can set back progress towards achieving gender parity. According to the World Economic Forum 2024 State of the Gender in the Film Industry Report, out of 100 highest grossing films for 2023 only 30 featured women and girls in lead or co-lead roles. Because of the role of films in popular culture and society, films largely reflect prevailing cultural attitudes about gender roles, norms, attitudes and expectations. This results in a vicious cycle as societal stereotypes influence filmmakers (mostly male) who in turn create art that adds to the said stereotypes.

These negative depictions have implications that reach far beyond the entertainment industry. According to a NORDICOM report “Beyond the Stereotypes? Images of Boys and Girls and their Consequences”, stereotypical gender portrayals and clear gender segregation correlates with preference for gender appropriate media content, toys and games, traditional perception of gender roles, occupations and personality traits and attitudes towards expectations and aspirations for future trajectories of life.

But creative/entertainment media can play a transformative role in achieving gender equality in societies. This is through gender sensitive and gender transformative content that breaks gender stereotypes and content that challenges traditional social and cultural norms and attitudes regarding gender. Content that shows/present women in leadership roles and as experts on a diversity of topics on a daily basis, not as an exception.

In a UN Women Discussion Paper Series No 42 “Social Norms, Gender and Development: A Review of Research and Practice” Cookson T.P et al make the case for combining the gender sensitive and transformative content with group discussions that foster engagement and debate. Further, they reckon that the involvement of men and boys, and influential actors such as faith and community leaders in the group discussions is critical for the construction of new gender norms.

Screening of the Filamu Dada films in the Counties where the women leaders hail from will increase the awareness about women and leadership. The films show/present the women leaders in their leadership roles and as experts on a diversity of topics on a daily basis, not as an exception. The facilitated dialogues that accompany the screenings are a platform for open and frank discussions that will challenge popular stereotypes about women and leadership. The involvement of men, faith and community leaders in the facilitated dialogues will foster debate and engagement critical for construction of new social and cultural gender norms and ideologies. Ultimately this will create an environment that is enabling of girls and women’s full enjoyment of their human rights and fulfilment of their fullest potential.

Despite improvement in the 2022 elections, women are still significantly underrepresented in political leadership and decision-making positions in Kenya. Following the elections, women make up 10.6% of all elected leaders (201 of 1882). This is a slight improvement on the 9.1% (172 of 1882) in 2017 and 7.7% (145 of 1882) in 2013. There’s need for more elected women leaders across the board in line with the constitution’s two-third gender principle for elective bodies. Creative media (films/documentaries) can play a part in this.

Media representation of women matter. If we want to see more women in leadership in the real world, girls need to see more women leaders in the world of entertainment. Having women as role models in popular media inspires girls to aim higher. This is the role that Filamu Dada plays.

Embracing the Future: Uganda Media Week 2023 Explores Public Interest, AI, and the Evolution of Journalism

Set to take place from November 9th, 2023, the 5th Uganda Media Week Conference, hosted by Media Focus on Africa Uganda, promises an illuminating journey into the future of journalism. Under the theme “Public Interest, AI, and the Future of Journalism,” this conference is poised to revolutionize the landscape of media.

The event will convene a gathering of distinguished experts, influential voices, and industry insiders, fostering discussions around crucial topics. Panel discussions will explore the role of effective reporting in strengthening democratic accountability, creating an inclusive internet environment for women in media, deciphering the implications of AI in the realm of journalism, and confronting online gender-based violence.

Uganda Media Week 2023 is not just a conference; it’s an avenue for transformative conversations and knowledge exchange. Brace yourself for engaging dialogues that offer critical insights into the future of media and journalism in Uganda.

For more information please reachout to us via ruth@mediafocusonafrica.org

or Call +256393248341

Unleashing the Power of Women in Kenyan Politics: Filamu za Akina Dada Uongizini

 

In a society where women’s voices are often marginalised in political decision-making, Filamu za Akina Dada Uongizini (Filamu Dada) emerges as a groundbreaking initiative aimed at increasing the participation of women in political leadership in Kenya. This short documentary film project, a part of the TV Series Ms President, showcases the stories of seven remarkable Kenyan female leaders, while also empowering female filmmakers in the country. With its powerful narratives and captivating visuals, Filamu Dada is set to inspire change and encourage a more inclusive political landscape in Kenya. 

Filamu Dada brings to the forefront the accomplishments and challenges faced by women leaders in Kenya. Through the lens of seven competitively selected teams of female filmmakers, the project delves into the lives of these extraordinary women who have shattered glass ceilings and made their mark in politics. From Members of Parliament to Governors and Woman Representatives, each film offers a unique perspective on the journey of a female leader.

The Filmmaker Teams:

Each team was assigned to follow and document the journey of a specific Kenyan female leader.

  1. DONYA: Voice of The People – Donya Dorice Aburi (MP): Kisii

Filmmakers: Irene Mukonyoro & Debra Ngeru

  1. Cheptikonyool – Cynthia Muge Rotich (MP): Nandi

Filmmakers: Miriam Koske & Cherotich Kibet

  1. GENOWA – Gladys Wanga (Governor): Homabay

Filmmakers: Sandra Ruong’o & Wendy Kirorei

  1. Etomononi Nagol – Caroline Ncharo – Kajiado (Asst. Chief)

Filmmakers: Cynthia Abdallah & Ivy Kagai/S. Imisa

  1. The Nomads Daughter – Mumina Gollo Bonaya – (Woman Rep): Isiolo

Filmmakers: Gumato Denge & Aisha Hussein

  1. Ma-itu – Sabina Chege (Nominated MP) – Muranga

Filmmakers: Sally Ngoiri & Joan Rispa Kiragu

  1. The Force Within – Cecily Mbarire (Governor): Embu

Filmmakers: Ashley Murugi & Joan Kabugu

Beyond documenting the stories of women leaders, Filamu Dada also aims to enhance the capacity of female filmmakers in the country. Led by Docubox-EADFF, the project provides a comprehensive story and production workshop, ensuring that the filmmakers are equipped with the necessary skills to bring these powerful narratives to life. The mentorship and training provided by experienced professionals like Zippy Kimundu, Lydia Matata, and Franki Ashiruka foster a supportive environment for growth and development.

At the core of Filamu Dada lies the Female Directors in Film Lab, an initiative initiated and supervised by Dutch filmmaker Fleur van Dissel and Media Focus on Africa. This lab serves as a platform for female filmmakers to collaborate, learn, and exchange ideas. By nurturing their talent and providing them with the necessary resources, the lab aims to create a more inclusive and vibrant film industry in Kenya, where women can thrive and make their voices heard.

Filamu Dada is more than a film project; it is a catalyst for change. By showcasing the experiences of women leaders and empowering female filmmakers, it aims to challenge societal norms and inspire future generations of women to actively participate in political leadership. 

The much-anticipated premiere of Filamu za Akina Dada Uongizini took place on Thursday evening, 5th October 2023, at The National Museum, Louis Leakey Auditorium. This event was a celebration of women’s achievements, resilience, and determination. Attendees had the opportunity to witness the powerful stories portrayed on screen and engage with the women leaders, filmmakers and producers who brought them to life. The chief guest, Embu County Governor, Cecily Mbarire noted, “we need to give our story as women. We have His story, but we need Her story.”

To celebrate the filmmakers and women leaders, the event was graced by dignitaries including the Nairobi County Woman Representative, Hon. Esther Passaris, the CEO of National Land Commision, Ms. Kabale Tache, the Head of Public Service, Hon. Felix Koskei, the Commissioner of KNCHR Hon. Sarah Bonaya. Additionally, the UN Women in Kenya Representative, Anna Mutavati, Janine Cocker representing the High Commission in Kenya, among other dignitaries were present at the premier. Their much appreciated support is paramount in encouraging young women to become involved in leadership and politics.

Training Rural media Outlets and Female Practitioners on Media Viability

With support from DW Akademie, MFA trained representatives from Radio Pacis, Voice Of Karamoja, Mama FM, Voice Of Toro, Speak FM, Elgon FM, Etop Radio, Unity FM and Crooze FM.

Management across the different departments and women in media To deliver three online trainings teaching Media Viability and Innovation to 10 rural media outlets with a special focus on female media practitioners. To promote and increase women’s skills in the use of new media technologies and to reach more audiences. Social media training for 20 participants (journalists, talk-show hosts, marketers and social media managers etc) using social media to grow audiences and increase revenues.The target audience for the project were; community media managers, female media practitioners and female journalists and innovators. The module included a basic needs assessment survey conducted by MFA. In addition, a pre-and post-

survey was conducted for training to understand the knowledge and level of expertise of participants. The pre-survey allowed us to identify the large gaps in understanding Media Viability (MV); lack of knowledge and skills to include digitization; severe lack of gender sensitivity in reporting and lack of women in the overall business structures and culture in and overtly male dominant media landscape. As a result of the outcomes of the survey, it became apparent that the digital transition in Uganda has been a very slow. Small and medium size rural based media houses were struggling to adapt and integrate technology. Furthermore, it clearly identified the huge skills gap and lack of knowledge for media managers and practitioners from top to bottom. The digital disruption on top of Covid 19 impacted radio stations negatively especially financially as well as operations. Stations had to adapt to remote work and work from home but didn’t have the capacity, resources and equipment to facilitate the needs of their staff.

Overall, the topics covered in training were new to the vast majority of participants which created an excitement and hunger to learn new skills and increase their knowledge.

  •  Online sessions were based on human centered designed thinking and prototyping.
  • The basic structure of the training were trainer and trainee centered including PPT and video presentations, print media, Q and A, feedback sessions and practical group work, knowledge sharing and examples of innovation from other media.
  • The online training consisted of eight bi-weekly virtual sessions using Zoom video conferencing.
  • WhatsApp was used as a secondary group communication tool and follow up for trainers, participants and project management. The WhatsApp group is still active at the request of the participants to allow ongoing networkingand have access to trainers. All training was interactive and held synchronously in plenary and small groups for practical work focused on developing strategy and finding solutions. The online training included elements of A-synchronous work that individuals had to complete as offline assignments.

Training also included introduction and use of various free digital collaboration and communication tools such as; Jam board, Menti.com, Padlet, Canva, Google Forms.  Participants were introduced to free audience survey tools such as; Survey Monkey, Type Form, Google Forms and various other forms that include analytical capabilities.

Participants were introduced to various free video editing, audio editing, photo editing and text tools to support them in becoming more effective and efficient in their daily work and support working remotely.

Overview:

The invitation for stations to participate in this series of training was met with a high level of excitement and expectation for learning new skills and creating financial sustainability. The initial online briefing to introduce the training had a total of more than 50 participants in attendance including station managers and departmental managers across the board. The training that was conducted were planned for 20 participants but we ended up with 40 people on day one. Participants stayed consistently throughout the training with an average of 36 participants daily.

Group sessions were highly interactive and engaging and offline work was done with much enthusiasm and zest. All training consisted of 50% women with a high level of participation from female media practitioners in addition to the only women owned radio station manager; a 2nd female station manager in addition to 4 women in senior management positions. The formal and informal feedback from participants were overwhelmingly positive. Participants expressed an eagerness to continue to learn more. The pre-and post- survey decidedly showed most of the topics covered were largely new to them. Participants managed to obtain more than sufficient knowledge,

 

For information and skills to pursue the subjects further and apply them in their daily work. Several of the managers communicated their eagerness to use the tools and models introduced during the course of the training such as audience research, content development, empathy mapping to understand the needs of their audiences through developing personas, the use of a content calendar and the knowledge and ability to adapt their business model using the business model canvas. Furthermore, as training was happening participants started sharing new knowledge and tools to staff at their own radio stations.

Participant Feedback: (comments from each of the eight training sessions)

  1.  From Joshua Imalingat: I came to this training with so many questions about this animal called Media Viabilitybut now things are getting more interesting. Very impressed with the fact that Community engagement is at the core of what we do and that Data is the new currency.
  2.  From Bettie Mujungu: This is really resourceful for our specific programs on the radio and online audiences. I see how much content we have generated on just one person’s story. And usually in our communities there same issues of address.
  3. From Hellen Aguyo Okello: the training was resourceful, linking content to social media and relating this to income generation stood out for me.
  4. From Joshua Imalingat: Well I would only want to thank you for taking us through the steps because I suppose on my side I would said it is the first time am seeing such a thing as taking us through the entire process of organizing a zoom meeting. Often times we have just landed in…boom intro.. expectations and kaboom… we move on. nothing like this. It Hasn’t been a waste of time for time. I will be available for all the sessions.������
  5. From Egonda Emmanuel: wow this is great guidance for online meetings. You really opened up my mind. Am thinking online meetings are the way to go asopposed to F2F meetings. Online meetings however require total concentration. Covid appears to be a blessing in disguise with the way organizations are communicating and meeting. Thanks.

 

  1. From Betty mujungu: the audience engagement, Empathy Map and persona. it's been a really engaging session
  2. From Agnes Etadu: Thank you Eva for this wonderful Training, for me today what stood out is various business models we as a radio station can adopt to generate revenue for the station. But importantly I took a lesson from your quote this morning "Go to the organization with an idea of how to solve their problem" not the other way round
  3. From Emmanuel: If media managers take this presentation serious, we can actually help our organizations to take on their competitors both business wise and improving listenership numbers. Thanks Eva for this presentation.
  4. From Kajumba Gorret: CONTENT DEVELOPMENT IS THE BEST THING BUT NEEDS TIME AS IT IS A PROCESS.
  5. From Dorothy Ainembabazi: I believe that audience research is good to go. I hope companies and radio stations can pick up.
  6. From Aaron Olao: I enjoyed the first session when you delved on content creation before thinking of money.
  7. From Catherine Apalat: The in-depth persona analysis was my Aha moment.
  8. From Kajumba Gorret: importance of engaging audience
  9. “I can see now that Blogging and Vlogging can be done by women and men. Social Media can be used for more than just personal posting.” Dorcas.
  10. “I am dearly impressed by the different tools I can use to generate funds for my media house and individually as well. Thanks team” Emmy Daniel Ojara
  11. “The business model stood out for me today, but i think by putting it into practice things can work out well.” Gloria Lalam
  12. I am so glad that every end of the training day, I have new knowledge added. Joe Wacha
  13. From Joseph Akiiso: With this knowledge, we are more focused and will discuss with senior management based on facts in order to argue our cases.
  14. From Joshua Imalingat: Eva this is great. I think I will never be the same again. with this training and all these tools Iwill be a digital expert soon.

Impact

10 radio stations, 30 radio presenters’ skills and knowledge in producing content on women were strengthened.

Media Focus on Africa wins two prestigious awards for promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women

Media Focus on Africa (MFA) has made its mark as a leading organization in the promotion of gender equality and empowerment women in Kenya.

On Friday 3rd March 2023, MFA was honored with two prestigious awards at the National Diversity and Inclusion Awards and Recognition (DIAR) Awards ceremony.

The first award was for the overall winner in the category of NGOs promoting gender equity. This award recognizes MFA’s continued commitment to promoting gender equality in Kenya and beyond through the Ms President project. MFA has consistently worked through innovative media programs to raise awareness about gender inequality and challenge the socio-cultural norms that underpin gender inequality. At the same the programs empower women across the country. This award shall spur MFA onto greater efforts and boost the organization’s unwavering dedication to the cause of contributing to the realization of a more equal and just Kenya.

The second award recognized MFA’s Ms President program as the best women empowerment initiative. The Ms President program is a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to show to Kenyans the possibility of female head of state in Kenya. It also aims to empower Kenyan women by giving them the skills and knowledge they need to become effective leaders in policy and decision making spheres of country through the Ms President Academy.

The Ms President program has already made a significant contribution in bridging the gender gap in the political representation and policy/decision making realms in Kenya. 2 Ms President alumni are members of the 13th National Assembly. Another 2 are members of the 3rd County Assemblies. 1 served as a Chief Administrative Secretary in the regime of President Kenyatta while another is a current member of the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee. Ms President equips the women with leadership skills, builds their confidence and is helping to break down socio-cultural barriers thus contributing to the realization of a more inclusive society.

This award is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the program.

In accepting the awards, MFA’s Country Director, Harrison Manga, expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the DIAR Awards and all the partners who has supported MFA’s work over the years. He said, “We are honored to receive these awards, which recognize the hard work and dedication of everyone at MFA. We remain committed to the cause of promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women in Kenya and across Africa. We shall continue to dedicate our best efforts, imagination and innovation to this cause until we achieve our goal of a more equal society through the use of media “

Angel Mbuthia is a rising star in the world of politics, leadership and public service.

Not only is she the Ms President season 2 winner, she is a member of the Kenya National Youth Council Advisory Board, and the Chairperson of the COMESA Youth Advisory Panel (COMYAP). She is also the Secretary for Gender and International Relations in the All Africa Students Union, based in Accra, Ghana.

Angel’s journey in the Ms President began with her membership of the Mwamko Mpya Party, where she made a name for herself through eloquent and incisive presentations on behalf Mwamko Party. She connected effortlessly with people from different backgrounds.

Her hard work and dedication led her to winning the second season of Ms President. Ms President aims to bridge the gender gap in political representation and participation as well in public policy and decision making positions.

Throughout the competition, Angel impressed the judges with her quick thinking, charismatic personality, and ability to work under pressure. She also demonstrated a strong commitment to social justice and equality, which resonated with the audience.

In the final round, Angel faced off against five other finalists, delivering a powerful speech on the importance of education and the role of women in politics. She received the majority of the votes from the audience through a voting system, making her the winner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2HCzODcyUg

Angel’s win sends a powerful message to young women everywhere, showing them that they can achieve their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities.

As the winner of Ms President season 2, Angel will be awarded a cash prize of USD 20,000 for her to invest in a community project of her choice. She will get support from Media Focus on Africa and other partners to implement her community project and other programs that align with her vision as Ms President.

Angel’s impressive list of accomplishments and her victory in Ms President are a testament to her great leadership capacity and her commitment to making a positive impact in her community, Kenya and the world. With her passion, dedication and hard work, there is no doubt that Angel Mbuthia will continue to make a difference in the world of politics and leadership. She’s definitely one to watch.

Angel Mbuthia Is Ms President Season 2

Over 750 women and 20 episodes later, we have a new Ms President. Angel Mbuthia from Kiambu County emerged the winner of Ms President Season 2 during the grand finale that aired on 17th November 2022.

‘’Every boy and girl deserves an education. It is through education that I am here with you today. I will use this opportunity to champion for change,’’ she said in excitement.

Bina Maseno from Nairobi County came in as the 1st runner’s up while Milkah Righa from Taita Taveta County came in as the 2nd runner’s up. Coming in close behind were the rest of the other contestants; Nuru Muhammed (Kwale County,) Pauline Onguko from (Siaya County) and Frida Karani (Embu County)

The 2nd Season of Ms President was made possible by our partners The Canadian High Commission in Kenya with additional support from UN Women in Kenya and The European Union.

Speaking at the event, Janina Cocker the Head of Cooperation in Kenya at the Canadian High Commission in Kenya said that it was important to recognize the accomplishments of the women who have been a part of the show.

‘’Today we celebrate not only the finalists but all the women who participate in this season and the previous season,’’ she said.

Anna Mutavati, the UN Women in Kenya Representative who also spoke at the event echoed similar remarks. She also noted the importance of the show, especially during this election year.

‘’Ms President Season 2 could not have come at a better time because more women are taking up positions in leadership. The 2022 General Elections saw a record number of women take up top positions in government, ‘’ she said.

Among the guests was Season 1 winner Nereah Amondi Aketch. She shared her excitement at getting to see another crop of women compete in the 2nd season while noting that there was still much to do in getting more women in leadership and politics.

Ms President was created to empower women to become key players in preventing the spread of violent extremism and radicalization. It continues to strengthen the institutional and operational capacity of civil society actors and media practitioners to prevent violence against women and protect human rights.

The Country Director of Media Focus on Africa, Harrison Manga shared highlights about some of the previous Ms President contestants who have gone on to taken up seats in government.

‘’Ms President has demonstrated that Kenya has an abundance of talented and capable women leaders,’’ he said.

The Rise Of Ms President Contestants

The women of Ms President continue to soar in different leadership positions even after leaving the Ms President Leadership Academy.

The Ms President show was created to enhance women’s participation in political leadership and decision making in Kenya through a multi-media program. Since its launch in 2019, the show has continued to attract both local and international media. This has given the women a platform to highlight the issues that they are passionate about.

Additionally, 55% of Ms President Contestants have reported that Ms President has provided them leadership opportunities not available to them before. As Season 2 of Ms President continues to air, the women who have participated in the show continue to leave their mark in government and other areas of leadership in Kenya.
Honorable Umulkher Harun, who came in second in Season 1 of Ms President has been nominated to be a Member of National Assembly by the ODM Party to represent the youth. She is also the founder of Kesho Alliance, an NGO that exists to improve education by promoting and advocating access to quality education, youth and women empowerment, peace, and security.

Honorable Irene Mayaka who was also a finalist in Season 1 of Ms President has been nominated to be a Member of the National Assembly to represent workers by the ODM party. This comes after a previous nomination in 2019 to the Nyamira County Assembly also by the ODM party. Another Season 1 Contestant who also garnered a seat in the government is Nadia Abdalla. She was appointed by President Kenyatta, to be the Chief Administrative Secretary in the ministry of ICT and Youth.

In Season 1 of the show over 1000 contestants applied to be on the show while over 750 applied to be in Season 2. There are many more examples of Ms Presidents who continue to rise up the ranks in public service as others seek elective leadership positions. 10 Ms President season 1 and 5 Ms President season 2 contestants were candidates for various seats during the August general election. We are proud to be associated with these powerhouses and we cannot wait to see what they will do next.

Countrywide Auditions for Ms President Season 2 Kick Off

 

Auditions for the second season of Ms President Reality TV show have kicked off with over 300 women getting a shot at being the first female President of the republic of Kenya following successful shortlisting of more than 700 applications.

Ms President Season 2 will contribute to enhancing women’s p participation in political leadership and decision making in Kenya through a multi-media program complemented with community dialogue and capacity strengthening for key stakeholder groups. Coming in the backdrop of the 2022 election makes Ms President Season 2 relevant and timely.

Media Focus on Africa began the auditions in Eldoret on the 28th – 29th of March at Sirikwa Hotel. Eldoret auditions include qualified participants from the following counties;  Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Bungoma and Turkana.

Later on the team will head out to Kisumu for the 31st of March- 1st April auditions, where qualified participants from the following counties will audition; Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Kisii, Busia, Nyamira  Vihiga and Kakamega, followed by Isiolo on the 4th of April- 5th April. Auditions here will include qualified participants from Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, and Marsabit.

This will be followed by Nyeri, where qualified participants from the following counties will audition; Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Meru, followed with Nakuru, with participants from the following counties; Bomet , Kericho , Narok , Nyandarua, Laikipia , and Baringo, followed with Nairobi with participants from; Kiambu, Machakos , Makueni , Kitui , and Kajiado then wrap up the auditions in Mombasa where particpants from the following counties will audition; Kilifi, Kwale, Taita Taveta,  Tana River, and Lamu

The auditions include both verbal and written interviews before a panel of three judges from the Media Focus on Africa. Successful candidates will be notified of their results by the end of April. The auditions in various venues across Kenya will see 50 women selected to join the Ms President Academy.  At this point, production for the Ms President show begins.

“We are looking for a qualified woman who is bold enough and ambitious to take up the President role in the future. ‘’- Frenny Jowi auditions judge.

The objective of Ms President is to change Kenyans’ perception and attitude towards leadership by women in communities and in the country.

Kenya’s constitution provides for equality in representation between men and women. However, in political leadership, women are significantly underrepresented. Following the 2017 election, female MPs make up only 22% of the National Assembly, 31% of the Senate and only 6% of the Governors.

Ms President Season 1 saw several of the participants take up notable leadership positions that have seen them do tremendous things in the society.  55% of Ms President Contestants have reported that Ms President has provided them leadership opportunities not available to them before. Three examples: Nadia Abdalla, Mombasa County contestant has since been appointed Chief Administrative Secretary in the ministry of ICT and Youth. Betty Adera, the Nairobi County contestant is now President of KANU Political Party Women Congress, a member of the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) technical team and Patron of the Young Women’s Forum in Africa by the Africa Youth Trust. Linet Mavu, Taita Taveta contestant has been appointed by the President to the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee. Many of Season 1 contestants are currently running for various MP and MCA positions.

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