UUnnddeerrssttaannddiinngg aanndd MMaannaaggiinngg FFeeaarr WWoorrkksshhoopp

‘How to understand, confront and handle fear in a constructive way.’

Nakuru, 18-19 May 2009

Federation of Women Groups

Report written by Carmen Wamukoya and Esther Moraa, from the Federation of Women Groups. Edited by Janny Slagman, Feminenza Further edited by Monique Weber, Feminenza Kenya, 2016

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements 4

Executive summary 5

Introduction 6

Aims of the Understanding and Managing Fear Workshop 7

The process of the workshop 7

Summary of the Understanding and Managing Fear Workshop 8

Evaluation Summary 10

Participant Comments 15

Conclusion 19

Appendix 1 – Workhop programme 20

Appendix 2 – List of Participants 21

Appendix 3 – Peace Accord 22

Appendix 4 – Photos 25

About Federation of Women Groups 29

About Feminenza 31

3 Acknowledgments

We wish to express our deepest appreciation to all the people without whom this Understanding and Managing Fear Workshop would not have been possible. Our special appreciation goes out to the Feminenza facilitators for their dedication and steadfastness and to the Federation of Women Groups for logistical support and commitment.

We also thank the participants for their time, sincere contribution and valuable comments, which made the workshop a success. A full list of participants is given at the end of the document.

4 Executive Summary

This report presents the thoughts, experiences and recommendations from participants that emanated from a May 2009 Feminenza workshop, entitled ‘How to understand, confront and handle fear in a constructive way’. The workshop served as an introduction to elements of module 1 of Feminenza’s training for Forgiveness and Reconciliation Counsellors, which has been created to train women in their own communities as Forgiveness and Reconciliation Counsellors so that they can effectively contribute to sustainable peace.

Following the crisis that ensued in Kenya after the contested elections in December 2007, serious social, political, economic and emotional effects of the violence are still being felt. Eight months after signing the National peace accord, communities began withdrawing behind tribal boundaries again, fear and suspicion increased, communication was quickly breaking down and tension was mounting. The uncertain political situation raised concerns among women that an even greater wave of violence would erupt in a short while. Women in the most affected areas of the post election violence felt that counsellors needed to be empowered and trained at grassroots levels, so that they can help others in the Forgiveness and Reconciliation process.

To support the women who signed the Nakuru Peace Accord, Feminenza collaborated with the Federation of Women Groups to provide an intensive 2- day workshop for a group of 26 women in Nakuru, as an introduction to the Forgiveness and Reconciliation Counsellor Training. The intention of this workshop was to enable women to understand the biology of fear, how it affects behaviour and encourages a cycle of violence and how to manage their own fears more effectively. Reflected in the report are the outcomes of the workshop and the reflections and recommendations made by participants.

5 Introduction

Kenya erupted in violence immediately after the announcement of December 2007 general election results. The events leading up to the general elections were seen as largely peaceful. However the outcome of the presidential election was fiercely disputed. The violence that erupted saw over 1000 people lose their lives with hundreds of thousands of others being displaced. There was however a general feeling that the Presidential elections announcement simply ignited a situation that had been simmering for a long time. It became obvious that the elections were a trigger for violence that had roots in a longstanding feeling of marginalization and other perceived injustices. The events that followed have led to rising tensions and specific ethnic groups being targeted. The Kenyan women bear the greatest brunt of post-election violence. Serious social and emotional effects of the violence are still being felt. There is therefore a need to build dialogue among and across the country’s ethnic communities

During this tumultuous period in Kenya, community representatives requested Feminenza to help by providing the skills and knowledge needed to establish a strong base of women as Counsellors in Forgiveness and Reconciliation.

As a result of this request, Feminenza developed a curriculum for training and mentoring of Forgiveness and Reconciliation Counsellors in response to the challenges faced by women and NGOs in Kenya.

The Forgiveness & Reconciliation training is designed to advance women’s human rights in that it will develop women counsellors at grassroots level by providing them with the experience and skills to guide the very necessary processes to enable thousands of women in the aftermath of post election violence to be able to move on and build the cross community bonds needed to build community cohesion and develop a culture of peace.

The Understanding and Managing Fear workshop conducted in Nakuru was meant to support the women who had signed the Nakuru Peace Accord and was also an introduction to module 1 of the broader Forgiveness and Reconciliation Counsellor training programme.

6 Aims of the Understanding and Managing Fear Workshop

To provide an experience to 26 women about Understanding and Managing Fear, which will enable them to understand: i) the biology of fear; ii) how it affects behaviour and encourages a cycle of violence; iii) how to manage their own fears more effectively.

Further the workshop was meant to empower women peace builders in communities affected by ethnic violence by providing tools to strengthen inner resilience, confidence and self esteem.

The process of the workshop

The ‘Understanding and Managing Fear’, workshop enables participants to start to face their fears and learn how to better manage them. By starting to understand how to cope with fear, participants can begin the process of learning how to forgive.

The workshop involves specific stages that allow participants to go through a step-by-step process of identifying one’s own individual fears, followed by identifying one’s strengths and qualities, and subsequently identifying which of one’s inner resources will assist in handling fear constructively.

The final stage includes writing and sharing one’s resolve and plan of action about how to implement the new found understandings and skills into one’s life. The plan of action is a personal responsibility committed to for a period of 1 year.

7 Summary of the ‘Understanding and Managing Fear workshop’

BACKGROUND

Twenty-six women leaders took part in the workshop, which was conducted by Feminenza.

METHOD

The Field of Fears Process Participants identify their fears.

The Domain of Courage The building of a fortress of achievements, successes, skills and qualities. This is a confirmatory process about the skills and qualities that one has built in one’s life. Participants start to focus on successes in life, the achievements they are proud of and the qualities that allowed them to make those achievements.

Purple Path Participants are engaged in a reflective process with specific technology that helps to become (more) conscious of how one’s strengths and qualities can assist in facing one’s fears. It also promotes awareness about the need to grow these strengths and qualities.

The story we tell ourselves The last part of the workshop is for each participant to write down what they learned and/or gained from the process of the 2-day workshop, and also to write down one’s resolve and action plan for the next 12 months, and share (for those who wish) with other participants the new found understandings and resolutions.

The 12 month action plan then becomes the participant’s personal responsibility in light of the direction they choose to take.

The participants received a workbook to be able to document the fears identified, understandings and resolutions they came to. This tool was given to enable the women to return to the content of the workbook and their notes to actualise their 12 month action plan.

8 MEASURES

Participants were each given a pre-workshop questionnaire to find out about the kind of challenges they face in the area of managing fear, what they expected from the workshop and what they hoped to gain from it.

Evaluation forms were also provided at the end of the workshop to assess what the participants had learnt about fear, what skills they had gained, the level of understanding about the purpose of the workshop and its effectiveness.

OUTCOMES OF THE WORKSHOP

• Participants have an understanding about fear and its origin. • Participants equipped with effective coping mechanisms for dealing with fears. • Participants enabled to identify, examine and deal with their fears.

The workshop adopted an interactive approach, using both presentations and practical exercises. The presentations sought to provide an introduction and overview to the activities. Thereafter participants engaged in self-exploratory and diagnostic exercises.

The participants gave positive feedback regarding the usefulness and relevance of the presentations and exercises. A great deal of information was transferred, as well as practical skills in coping with fear.

The participants were enthusiastic about the Coping with Fear methods they had learnt and planned to incorporate some of the activities in their daily lives upon their return home.

9 Evaluation Summary

• 26 women participated in the workshop.

• They represented the following locations/districts: o Kipkelion district o o Borabu o Molo o Sotik o Kissi o Nyansongo o o Gucha o Nakuru o o o Buret District o Magenche-Gucha o Longisa/.

• Most participants represented women’s groups and have leadership positions in their communities or are aspiring women leaders (those younger in age). Two attendants were a former MP.

• 7 of the women who attended the workshop signed the Nakuru Peace Accord in 2008.

• Age groups of the participants: o 50 – 62 years : 10 o 30 – 49 years : 10 o 19 – 29 years : 6

• 25 of the 26 participants completed the evaluation form, so scores underneath are representative of the scores of 25 women.

10 Applicable scales used for assessment: 1 = excellent 2 = good 3 = moderate 4 = poor 5 = very poor

1 2 3 No Average Assessment of content/ educational response aspects

To what degree did you gain an understanding 14 10 1 - 1,48 1 of fear and where it comes from? To what degree have you been able to identify 8 17 0 - 1,68 2 and classify your fears? To what degree do you feel you have improved 17 6 2 - 1,40 3 your skills to better deal with your fears as a result of this workshop? To what degree is the acquired knowledge 12 12 1 - 1,56 4 applicable in your current/future role or profession? Was the purpose of the workshop clear in 10 10 4 1 1,75 5 advance? 17 6 1 1 1,33 6 Did the workshop fulfill its purpose for you?

Assess how the unique way of the workshop was 19 4 1 1 1,25 7 effective in strengthening yourself in regard to coping with fear.

Below follows a summary of commentaries from the participants in response to the evaluation questionnaire.

Question: Was the workshop effective in identifying your strengths in order to cope with your fears? Responses: • It is like I have been coping most of my life not stopping to assess the situation before moving forward, but the workshop was very effective and I know that I am focused now and ready to go! • For me the workshop has brought clarity to my vision. I feel like there is no more fear which is greater than my strengths. • Yes, because after identifying some of my fears I was able to identify the strengths that I have and that can really help me to cope with my fears. • When I learnt what strengths I already have I noticed that I have already done so much so I need to overcome certain fears to move faster. • Yes, I was able to tap more of my strengths and make priorities right, based on right choices.

11 • It brought out the fear and trained me how to cope with fears. The realisation that the strength to overcome fear is within us to exercise. • Yes it was, the workshop made me aware of some qualities that I have that can help me cope with my fears, e.g. courage, patience, determination, etc. • Yes it did. At first I did not realise that I could overcome my fears through my strengths. It was amazing fo find that out here. • Yes it was but it will need a follow-up evaluation and encouragement. • Yes because the more I understand the less I become afraid. • Yes, it has because identifying my strengths is something I had denied myself from doing because I looked at it as boasting when it is actually a way to help me deal with the fears I allowed to affect my life.

Question: Do you feel the tools you learned will help you deal better with fears that will come up in the future? Please explain why or why not: Responses: • Yes definitely, it will help me cope, especially if I apply it strictly from here on in. • The practical demonstration that Elizabeth and Mary did (Elizabeth representing fears and Mary Noble representing Courage) will stay with me for life. • Yes, the tools I learnt will help me because the explanation of how to overcome fears in the future were fully clarified. • Yes, I have now learnt how to deal with my fears. I will practice little by little until I am very strong. I will also seek my fellow ladies’ advice who are here, when I am stuck. • Yes. I have understood that fears can be barriers and solutions are within us if only we can count on our strengths. • Yes, there is no situation that is permanent and that for every fear there is a cure. I will be prepared to dispel at the fear notion and replace with ‘Yes I can’ strength. • Yes, what I have learnt will greatly help me to deal better with my fears, because by identifying my fears I can be able to overcome them and I have learnt that I must identify my fears in order to get rid of them. • Yes they will help. I did not even think about the fears and how serious they were, affecting me. Boldly I will face the future. • The tools will always remind me of the promises I made. Whenever I forget and come back to fear, I will say no to fear and read what I have written in the workshop, again and again. • Yes, in that it has given me the keys that open a door that leads to a new path for me. But I must admit that the choice to use that key and when to use it is up to me. However, I still find it hard to use the tools when dealing with my greatest fear.

12 Question: Were there any aspects of the workshop that were not clear and therefore not effective? Responses: • For me all was clear. I feel that I just have to create space for self- meditation time. I really have to be frequently meditating about my life so as to better identify myself – where I am going, my vision and mission on earth. • No, everything was clear as after an explanation we were given an opportunity to exercise what we already had learnt • No, I feel I captured most of it and I will also read my notes when I am at home. • No, everything was clear and good time was given for the exercises. • The aspect of strengths would be good to go over again. It was not completely unclear though. • It was quite new, but for me it was clear. The demonstrations made it easy to understand. The facilitators are articulate and know how to make things clear to us. • I would have wanted to work further on the difference between fears that one has to live with and the fears that one can change.

Question: Do you want to continue with this work through the Forgiveness and Reconciliation Training Programme? And if so how do you see it can help you help your community? Please explain: Responses: • Yes I want to continue. I hate what happened in my country/community in every election year since 1992. Senseless killing of innocent people for imaginary tribal/political differences, driven by men. I felt the frustration of being helpless in the situation. • I want to continue with the training programme because it can help my community. • My community needs counsellors. Repeated wars, conflicts in the country has created bitterness in the women’s and children’s hearts, for most of them are born and are growing up without knowing the truth of ‘Peace’. The Forgiveness and Reconciliation Training programme is important to me as knowledge is powerful when applied. I want to do this for me to be able to give back to my community. I need to master this concept. • Yes I would like to continue with it. It will really help me because through it the community will be able to forgive and live in peace with each other. • Yes I would like to continue with the training programme. This will help my community who were chased away and came back to their original home. They need to forgive and forget the past. • Yes, I want to continue with the training programme. It can help my community because there are a lot of neighbouring conflicts, harsh traditional and cultural beliefs against women, thus conflict arises. Ethniticity clashes are common. • I want to continue with this training programme because I am acquiring knowledge. It is helping to cope with a situation that leads to forgiveness

13 and reconciliation with change of attitude. Love begets love and this is the message I have acquired from this workshop. • Yes, I want to continue. I can help my community by helping them identify their fears and help them not to be overcrowded by them. Also by leading them to forgiveness and reconciliation so as to have harmony and love and developments in the community. • Yes, I would like to continue with the training programme. More skills and capacity building are needed to achieve our goals and succeed in community work. • Yes I do. As I continue with this programme, I will be able to learn more and and more and can become more empowered to bring about change in my community. • Yes, I would like to continue with this process because this is not a one- day business. The training programme will empower me to face my community and also to be able to meet with the women (Kalenjins) who are a pillar of peace. • Yes please, I want to continue with the training programme, to be well equipped and knowledgeable in dealing with some situations in the process of healing the wounds of conflict and bring harmony to our nation. • Yes, because it has empowered me to learn to move on and to make a difference in the community. • I will be able to bring our people together, explain to them how silly it is to fight. Organise meetings with Chiefs, Sub-Chiefs, churches, schools, etc. • Yes, it motivates me and gives me more ideas on how to train the community on Peace and Reconciliation. • Yes, as the workshop has helped me to understand myself. If all people can understand themselves and understand others in the community (know your neighbour) this would be a better world. Awareness will be key so as to forgive & reconcile relationships. • Yes, by inviting the three groups that is Abagusii, Kalenjin and Kikuyus as they were most affected by the violence last year. • Yes I want to continue. It will help the community, because there has never been such a training before. • Yes, how it will help my community will probably be the same way it has helped me, or even better. • Yes, I would like to continue this training programme since my community suffers a lot with anger caused by conflicts in the people. People no longer know or recognise themselves, they have become slaves of hate and it makes them antagonists.

14 Participant Comments, Experiences & Thoughts

Feedback from participants on the Field of Fears process

• I didn’t think about fears I had before and couldn’t identify those fears but after the process I was able to identify my fears.

• The process helped me to discover my real self. I have identified my fears, now I have things to work with. Most of my fears have to do with public fears.

• The process of self-discovery is everything, being able to step back and observe then to analyse is the beginning of self-awareness.

• Classification of fears helps for better identification.

• Fear of being successful and a failure come together for me at the same time. Being a woman makes it harder to and kind of pushes to both sides.

• Grant me the fear to keep me succeeding.

• Fear drives a lot of things.

• This seminar struck me because it exposed my whole life. Then I found the fear of being used, fear of being controlled economically. People controlling what you do, where you go and what you say is very fearful.

• Fears change when status changes e.g. being single then getting married, other people are involved in decisions and priorities will change

• I see I have a choice and can exercise it and can demonstrate courage.

Fears particularly expressed by participants:

• Fear of not having security

• Fear of the other gender

• Fear for the future of the boy-child

• Fear of not being able to fulfil one’s purpose.

15 On the 2nd Workshop Day, participants were asked how they felt after having gone through the first day of the workshop. Below a short summary of comments from this process.

• As I was reflecting yesterday, I could see the power of women and I rejoiced. Women have the power to change their families and communities. Reflecting on the successes that have been discussed what women were happy about, had more to do with other people than with themselves.

• In two of the communities that the participants come from women are not considered people, men are the people. One of the women tells that when one came to visit in the home, they would inquire if anyone one was home. If only a woman would be at home she would respond by saying ‘there is no one it is just me.’

• I am very proud to be a woman. Women are the people who can make things change. The only obstruction is fear. We are letting fear conquer us. To be winners we have to let go of fear.

• We women are our own enemies. We should learn how to get out of our comfort zone. Women don’t support or stand behind each other. To some extent women have contributed to their own situations by staying in abusive relationships, not standing up for themselves and by being used by others. Don’t let anyone tie you down. Surviving is uplifting each other.

• We have to work on our achievements.

• When we, women, are campaigning (politics) there are a lot of fears involved. Women are capable of doing anything and everything; they should not let fears get in the way of achieving what they want.

Comments from participants on the process of ‘Strengthening One Self’, the Purple Path

• ‘The exercise was more like a spiritual encounter. I have two fears: the fear of being emotionally hurt and the fear of failure. While surrounding my fears with strengths, I realized we have the solutions to fear in us and it is a matter of putting them together and dealing with fears not just assuming them.’

• ‘The modern woman has lost her identity because you take the identity of someone else for example by not retaining your maiden name after getting married. It did not used to be like that. I went to America with my mother who is 78 years old in 2008. Every time my mother introduced herself, she would do so with her maiden name despite the

16 fact that she was married. Also often she would tell in what village she was born. In this way she held the connection to where she came from.’

• ‘We need to re-think our position and ideas as women if we are to contribute to the development of our country. If you look at the way politics are conducted here it is from a male perspective. As women we first have to understand how men think to be able to approach them with our ideas. You will find many women function well in their homes and are very organized running things there but put them in public and they are unable to function. Women should be able to function in all domains.’

What follows is some of the participant’s reflections and resolutions from the process: ‘The story we tell ourselves’.

• ‘I have learnt to see me as a woman. I am a powerful human being. I will never again allow another person to pull me backwards. I will focus on what’s best for me and my family. My time is now. I will smooth the work I have started and make it shine. I will teach our community how it is to live in harmony. I will make sure I will organize seminars to teach them what I have learnt. 12 months later, I will be able to say YES I have made it. Thank you my God, thank you Feminenza.’

• ‘I took time to think about me, myself and I. It was significant for me to reflect on my past and come up with a solution for my fears as a woman. The time is now and not later. It is better to die doing, fighting my fears than die as a result of trying to do.’

• ‘I realize I am not the only one who has worked, sacrificed and spent money to be who I am. I have qualities which have made me who I am. To the fellow women who have shared the workshop with me, I have decided to shine nothing will pull me backwards. I know where I have reached, I can and I will, no one will interrupt or confuse me.’

• ‘Yesterday, 18th May and today, 19th May are two wonderful days. I have gone through transformative stages. I am a woman of substance. I am going to tackle my fears as they come. Fear from today will not be a barrier in my life. I am going to learn to live with my fears and do something about it. I will empower the women of Sotik-Borabu socially, politically and emotionally.’

• ‘I feel I am a different person, I feel courageous. I don’t have to rely on anyone’s opinion anymore. I am able to stand as an important person. I will not be intimidated as a woman. I can give ideas without fear. This education is so informative and I am happy to mingle with other women.’

• ‘The fear I had is now gone. The fear I have not been able to manage is gone. I have the strength of a woman in me. I know I am unique.’

17 • ‘Many times I function day-to-day without taking stock. Now in my retirement and doing what I enjoy most is reaching out to people. I don’t want to live in fear anymore, I want to sort out my past and shed baggage from the past, support others to benefit from my strength, resourcefulness and experiences.

• ‘I am an agent of change and that is my name from today. I will recognize my fears and achievements. I want to transform myself and everyone I come across. I want to die empty having shared all my knowledge to others. By the time 12 months elapse, my approach to life will have changed. Happy is the woman who gives and then receives.’

• ‘Who am I, where did I come from, where am I now and where am I going? I acknowledge myself as a human being, a woman with achievements and failures. Most of the time, I refuse to listen to my inner self. I will start now. I will love my neighbour. I will come up with an action plan for our Nakuru Peace Accord. It is my wish and intention to come up with a work plan as a bible for our two neighbouring communities.’

18 Conclusion

This first workshop with 26 women leaders provided an experience regarding Understanding and Managing Fear and many of the women expressed the wish to continue this process by taking part in a Forgiveness and Reconciliation training programme.

19 Appendix 1 – Workshop Programme

Monday – Day 1

From - To Activities 12:45 – 1:45 pm Lunch 2:00 – 3:15 pm Welcome and Introduction – Mary Noble 3:15 – 4:30 Introduction from Elizabeth and Marie • About fear • Instructions for the Field of Fears process 4:30 – 5:00 Tea break 5:00 – 6:00 Field of Fears process 6:00 – 6:10 Shuffle break 6:10 – 6:25 Feedback 6:25 – 6:45 Instructions for the Domain of Courage 6:45 – 7:45 Domain of Courage 7:45 – 8:00 Feedback 8:00 Dinner

Tuesday – Day 2

From - To Activities 7:00 – 7:45 am Breakfast 8:00 – 8:40 Getting ready to engage in the work 8:40 – 9:00 Instructions for the Purple Path 9:00 – 10:30 Purple Path 10:30 – 11:00 Sharing our experience of the Purple Path 11:00 – 11:30 Tea break 11:30 – 12:00 Summation – The story we tell ourselves • Individual process • Collective process 12:30 – 1:45 Wrapping up – Mary Noble 1:45 – 2:00 Evaluation forms 2:00 Lunch

20 Appendix 2 – List of Participants

WORKSHOP UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING FEAR BONTANA HOTEL, NAKURU 18TH – 19TH MAY, 2009 PARTICIPANT LIST

NAME CITY/TOWN/VILLAGE ORGANIZATION/WOMEN'S GROUP

AGNES C. KIRUI KIPKELION DISTRICT FEDERATION OF WOMEN GROUPS

ANGELIQUE DADA MUHORAKEYE NAIROBI

ANNE CHEMUTAI MOLO KALYET WOMEN GROUP

ASEWE OCHANDA NAIROBI UNESCO PEER

AURELIA LABOSO SOTIK WOMEN GROUP GOTABGOR

CATHERINE M. NYAMATO KISII/NYANSIONGO FEDERATION OF WOMEN GROUPS

CHANCARDE BILONDA MUAMBA NAIROBI DAYSTAR UNIVERSITY/UAF AFRICA

DR. ESTHER KEINO KERICHO WOMEN'S POLITICAL ALLIANCE/RIFT VALLEY RURAL WOMEN EMPOWERMENT NETWORK

EDNA NGENO MOLO WOMEN'S GROUP CHAP CHAP

ESTHER MORAA NYAMIRA FEDERATION OF WOMEN GROUPS

FLORENCE BII MOLO ST. ALEX FOUNDATION

FLORENCE CHEPKURUI KERICHO

HELLEN NJERI KIHANYA NAKURU YRAF NAKURU

HELLEN ROTICH LONGISA/BOMET MAENDELEO YA WANAWAKE/WFWP-SORUNET

JANE NYAMOITA ONDIEKI KISII/NYAMIRA OMWAMBA WOMEN GROUP

JOY N. KAMAU NAIROBI COALITION FOR PEACE IN AFRICA

JOYCE MORWABE BORABU OBOMO WOMEN GROUP

JOYCE MOSOMI KISII/NYAMIRA

KHADIJAH SWALEH MOMBASA ECWD/COWOPE/COAST WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT

LIONELLA KANYARU NAIROBI

MAGDALENE M. MWEBI KISII MWANYAGETINGE CARE SUPPORT NGO

PACIFICA OTOTO MAGENCHE-GUCHA MOGUMO WOMEN GROUP

PRISCILLA BWARI MANONO KISII/GUCHA ESAGATI WOMEN GROUP

RACHEL C. NGENO BURET DISTRICT FEDERATION OF WOMEN GROUPS

REBECCA NYAANGA BORABU/KISII SOBO YOUTHS AND WOMEN GROUP

SALLY CHEPWOGEN KIRUI SOTIK MYWO/RIFT VALLEY RURAL WOMEN EMPOWERMENT NETWORK

The workshop was conducted by Feminenza facilitators: Mary Noble, Elizabeth Hamill and Marie Rollaz, with assistance from Sandra Maguire, Monique Weber and Janny Slagman.

The workshop was hosted by the Federation of Women Groups: represented by Catherine Nyamato. Logistical support was provided by: Carmen Wamukoya and Esther Moraa.

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Appendix 3 – Nakuru Peace Accord

Nakuru as a model of forgiveness and reconciliation

On 1st April 2008, the Nakuru peace accord was signed between the women of the Abagusii and Kalenjin communites within Borabu and Sotik.

We will work with the women involved in this peace accord, to assist in successfully implementing the following 16 resolutions, not just in their own regions, but in various other communities in Kenya and the Great Lakes Region.

THE NAKURU PEACE ACCORD BETWEEN THE WOMEN OF ABAGUSII AND KALENJIN COMMUNITIES WITHIN BORABU AND SOTIK

We the women representatives of both the Abagusii and Kalenjin communities held deliberations at the Nakuru Kwanza house hotel on the 31st March 2008 – 1st April 2008 and we reaffirm our commitment to good neighbourliness and peaceful coexistence between our communities.

We recognize we are the voice of the grassroot population who need to transform our country Kenya from merely being a state to a nation in appreciation of our diversity.

We recognized the efforts of the government and all players who have deemed it just to organize this forum that will set a precedent to the women in Kenya.

We recognize and appreciate the National Peace Accord 1/14 of the 28th February 2008 by H.E. Kofi Annan and what it has brought nationally and note however that local/grassroot issues are effectively addressed through the local accord that prescribes local solutions.

Based on the above we adhere to the following resolutions and principles for the prosperity of Kenya as a nation:

1. We undertake to forgive and forget any historical injustices that have propagated the existing tensions between the communities.

2. We commit ourselves to work in partnership to find a lasting solution and enhance peaceful relations in the future generations.

22 3. We affirm the position and the status of the women and commit to collaborative efforts that will forge teamwork towards mediation and dialogue at the grassroot level.

4. That we shall endeavour to shun propaganda and negative ethnicity that undermines the development and peaceful coexistence in our society.

5. We recognize that we are the key stakeholders in peace and conflicts and reaffirm to engage in processes geared toward this goal in our borders and beyond.

6. We recognize the capacity of the women as builders, connectors of the society for a constructive society and as connectors of our land.

7. We acknowledge that it is both the individual and collective responsibility of women in our nation to preach healing and reconciliation for a transformative society.

8. We undertake to be advocates of peace by empowering our fellow women and local community through campaigns, organized consultative forums aimed at awareness raising and togetherness of our people.

9. We endeavour to work in partnership with all stakeholders of goodwill towards healing and reconciling our people. However, we acknowledge that this process shall commence with the individual self to the collective whole. For a better tomorrow.

10. We the women acknowledge that peace is expensive and that this shall be a continuous process.

11. We recognize that to achieve sustainable peace in our system we need to have other players and seek to engage our fellow Kenyans from the neighbouring Kikuyu community in the greater Nakuru district and .

12. We appeal to the government to address the issue on security that has been a challenge to innocent populations.

13. We acknowledge the numerous issues arising herein and call for action by the women to address the matters arising upon consultation with their constituent members for amicable resolutions.

23 14. We the women agree to embark on an all inclusive approach to facilitate a peace process in our communities.

15. We call upon our respective member of parliament to champion our course of peaceful coexistence through campaigns and refrain from any act or omission that would spark animosity and violence among our communities.

16. We deliberate to form a joint committee with representation from both communities to strategies on a way forward towards amicable and plausible peaceful resolutions.

Signed on behalf of: Borabu community, Sotik community, Kipkelion community, Molo community. Witnessed by Concerned Citizens for peace; National Steering Committee – PAIS; Federation of Women Groups.

24 Appendix 4 – FEMINENZA Workshop Photos

Participants at work on achievements, successes and qualities

One of the Participants Mrs. Hellen Rotich sharing her experience of the Purple Path

25 Some of participants working on ’the story that you tell yourself’

CEO-FEMINENZA – Mary Noble summarizing the experience of the workshop

26 Some of the facilitators – Marie and Elizabeth & Janny

27 All Participants of FEMINENZA Workshop in Nakuru- May 2009

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About Federation of Women Groups

The Federation of Women's Groups – Kenya P.O. BOX 51079 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254 20 3568518 Fax: +254 20 3862094 Cell phone: +254 724334972 E-mail: [email protected] & [email protected]

The Federation of Women Groups (FWG) was founded in 1995 by like minded women who saw a need to fight injustices against women and girls in the Gusii community of Nyanza Province in Kenya. This community practices female genital mutilation (FGM) among other injustices. These women after analyzing the social, economic and political conditions of women and girls in the community realized their potential and saw the need to alleviate their suffering and poverty both in the Abagusii community and Kenya as a whole.

FWG works to reduce ignorance and poverty among the rural community. FWG also promotes gender equity and equal opportunities for all. The FWG approach combines successful grassroots programme work with the development of strong partnership with local and national government, community based organizations, and the private sector.

The Federation of Women’s Groups (FWG) consists of 245 groups all over Kenya with between 20 and 200 women per group and was registered in 1995 as a national registered NGO. The groups that are part of FWG1 came together to eliminate FGM and also work to increase the number of women in leadership.

The Federation of Women’s Groups works on three fronts:

• To increase awareness in both women and men about issues such as FGM and other harmful cultural practices common in patriarchal communities. • Increasing the number of women in leadership positions, especially parliament, so that their voice can be heard. • To help women to set up small businesses to empower them economically and to avoid corruption in their business practice.

The vision of the Federation of Women’s Groups To ensure a democratic society where women enjoy all their rights without prejudice while realizing their full potential and contributions

The mission of the Federation of Women’s Groups To promote a democratic society in which women enjoy their rights through eradication of retrogressive customs, cultures and traditions which undermine their participation in the political, social and economic

29 sphere and becoming agents of positive change, wealth creation and pillars of development.

The goal of the Federation of Women’s Groups To ensure women empowerment, increased participation in decision making, in advocating for their rights and poverty alleviation activities.

Since its formation FWG has been involved empowering women and community members on:

• Human and Legal Rights, • Lobbying & Advocacy on issues affecting women, • Research and Educational Material Production, • Elimination of FGM and other Harmful Traditional practices, • Peace building • Youth Outreach programmes, • Reproductive Health programmes, • Civic Education and • Economic empowerment.

FWG-K’s Objectives:

• To mobilize women self-help groups for development. • To promote women’s rights and women’s property inheritance rights awareness. • To eliminate all forms of discriminative practices against girls and women. • To empower women economically, socially and politically • To conserve the environment and support sustainable utilization of natural resources.

30 About Feminenza

Feminenza Kenya Shalom House, St. Daniel Comboni Road P.O. Box 21255 NGONG ROAD 00505 Nairobi, Kenya E-mail: [email protected]

Established in 2000, Feminenza is an international charitable organisation which spans the full spectrum of socio economic groups with a constitutional commitment to provide all women in the world with the opportunities they need to live productive lives. The mission is specifically: ‘In the encouragement of every woman’s future and working towards a greater mutuality between the genders.’ Approximately 400 women participate as volunteers in the initiative and, naturally, developing nations, such as Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and the Congo, have been the focus of attention. Feminenza’s current global efforts are delivered by nationals from:

Australia Denmark Israel New Zealand Sweden Brazil Ireland Italy Norway United Kingdom Burundi France Kenya Peru United States Canada Germany Mexico Rwanda Congo Greece Netherlands Spain

Feminenza expertise is delivered pro-bono to developing countries, as is the case for this programme. The list of beneficiary countries grows every year, as does the number of women ready and willing to offer their services for the betterment of other women around the world.

In the last four years, following the huge demand for Feminenza expertise there has been a significant shift in the operating framework. Every Feminenza chapter is now on a course to becoming a charity. Educational content, Works standards, corporate oversight and audit is undertaken by Feminenza International (the standards body). To ensure that standards are continually being upgraded every chapter is licensed by Feminenza International, and within that license specific goals are set for the continuing upgrade of standards and capacity to be made available to women within the domicile of the chapter. Should a particular chapter need financial assistance in order to address significant local needs, as is the case in Kenya, its activities are subsidized by the rest of Feminenza worldwide.

Feminenza’s Principles 1. Feminenza believes that the existence of the two genders implies a partnership to something better. Their union is designed to create something that is a step forward for humanity. 2. There is a need for remedy and rebalance, not as a reaction against the past, but for the sake of the future, in which there is much yet to be understood about both genders. 3. We believe there is a call for the feminine gender to learn and grow to meet what is needed now, to be open to the future, and to play its part in the next step of evolution and update of both genders.

31 4. We uphold values that respect the uniqueness and sanctity of all life and the diversity and nature of cultures. 5. As world citizens, all part of one human race, we are committed to finding and establishing the unifying perceptions and values that bridge the differences between all peoples.

Feminenza’s Aims 1. To promote new understanding between the genders, and to establish an association based on respect and honour in the exchange that occurs between the natures of the masculine and feminine genders, coming from deeper insight, and wisdoms, promoting the best in each. 2. To help restore the dignity and unique purpose of the feminine gender in these current times, by sharing existing and new knowledge towards promoting a better understanding of the true nature and potential of the feminine gender. 3. To help women and girls searching for a better platform and better tools by which to proceed in life as and when possible, in any way or in any part of the world as membership and funding permits, by providing assistance in terms of support, education, and sisterhood. 4. To promote an international web of strengths, humanity, support and unity among women, and between women and men in these current times. 5. To assist human development, by furthering these understandings through the global work and outplay of Feminenza.

Feminenza programmes worldwide Feminenza Kenya manages the implementation of the following Feminenza programmes:

Give a Girl a Chance. Devoted to the rescue, rehabilitation, education and mentoring of girls and young women escaping early forced marriage and female genital mutilation. For the most part Feminenza tries to find ways of enabling refuges and rehabilitation centres to operate from Feminenza micro funds (see www.giveagirlachance.org.). Feminenza provides advice to enable such centres to improve their own financial sustainability and depend less each year on donor funding. Feminenza International Development. Promotes and sustains the longterm development of women, their understanding of themselves, and their roles in leadership and society. It also works to improve partnerships between the genders as one of the fundamental keys to building peace in the minds of humanity, and resolving poverty, war, disease, terrorism and environmental degradation. Humanity and Gender. This programme starts with the attitude that one gender cannot, on its own, solve the problems of this word; that the two genders working together may have a chance. We offer opportunity for individuals, communities and NGOs to communicate and share innovation and successful strategy for the benefit of other communities and other countries. Via this programme Feminenza has been able to make a substantial contribution to global efforts on forgiveness, reconciliation, gender respect and leadership.

All Feminenza activities in Kenya directly support UN Millenium Development Goal 3, and in particular - the building of leadership qualities in women.

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