Sikiliza

Let's be frank: the world of international collaboration, particularly for those of us in the Global South, is often a treacherous terrain of indignity. We talk about breaking down barriers, fostering inclusivity, and building global movements, yet for many, the very act of getting there is a humiliating process. Beyond that, even once present, the fight for recognition and genuine participation continues. For too long, I have navigated this experience, enduring all kinds of bureaucratic hoops and often unsubtle microaggressions that come with applying for visas to attend vital meetings and convenings. I have explained over and over again the unique challenges feminists and activists face in simply crossing borders. And while I had resigned to these realities, a recent experience trying to attend a global convening in Europe has propelled me firmly onto the 'enough is enough' bandwagon, echoing the powerful stance of Professor Sylvia Tamale. Professor Tamale, a mentor and b...

This year, we celebrated 62 years of independence from the British colonial regime on June 1 , a day we affectionately know as Madaraka Day. I had the pleasure of spending a delightful weekend in the breathtaking Lake Basin region of Kenya, where I reconnected with cherished old friends. The experience stirred a wave of reflection and nostalgia within me. Dunga Beach Kisumu County As I gazed at Kenya's stunning landscapes, I couldn't help but feel that they hold the secrets, whispers, and timeless tales of our ancient history. From the majestic heights of the mountains to the serene expanses of the lakes, every corner seemed to echo larger-than-life legends and profound life lessons that have shaped our culture. I came to realize that our rich heritage is not merely preserved in the dusty archives of museums or buried in historical texts. Rather, it vibrantly thrives in the fabric of our daily lives, intricately woven into the lively tapestry of oral traditions, captivating loc...

For the past decade, my professional compass has relentlessly pointed to one crucial question: As social justice advocates, how do we fuse the fire of activism along with the gentle balm of well-being ?  I have journeyed alongside incredible feminist organizations, witnessing their powerful efforts to connect the grand visions of transformative social change with the gritty, everyday strategies needed to strengthen our movements.  Consistently, self and collective care emerged as an essential ingredient—the very lifeblood that sustains us, especially when so many within our movements, and those we fiercely champion, carry deep, inherited wounds into this work. I have learned that even with our strong desire to challenge injustice and address the profound harm it causes, finding skillful ways to do so without inadvertently creating further pain within our own movements can be challenging. We know we need to disrupt the status quo, but how do we do that without accidentally draw...