Celebrating two CES women in STEM careers
I am introducing to you two outstanding young women - Dr. Mildred Wasike and Sharon Walekhwa. Both are graduates of Sidikho SS, since 2006 a strong partner in the work of CES in Kenya.
Dr. Mildred Wasike, was raised in Musabale, a small rural village in Navakholo in western Kenya. She shared in a recent interview, “Growing up in a male dominated society was not easy for me. As a young, vulnerable woman, I was aware of girls suffering from gender-based violence and forced marriages. Our society is patrilineal, meaning that property and titles are only inherited by the male lineage. Bright girls were denied access to education, compared to boys who were given priority.”
Mildred is grateful for strong support from parents, religious leaders and teachers, who encouraged her to always speak up against gender bias. Attending Sidikho SS, she received a quality education and achieved recognition as a high achiever. “I am indebted to CES Canada/Kenya for the secondary school scholarship I received,” she said.
In 2015, she was among 20 selected Kenyan students to win an international university scholarship. This enabled her to travel and study abroad in Shanghai-China, towards a Bachelor's degree in Medical Imaging. After her graduation in 2021, she returned to Kenya, and is now practicing as an intern Radiographer at the Kakamega County Referral Hospital.
As a medical doctor, Mildred feels a responsibility to teach the younger generation about gender-based violence. “Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation; if we remain silent, it will continue. It is possible to end violence against women in the society, and to treat and celebrate them as human beings equal to men.
“The examples we set for the younger generation shape the way they think about gender and about themselves. We should start conversations about gender roles early on, and challenge the traditional features assigned to men and women. We should point out the stereotypes that children constantly encounter, whether in media, on the street or at school, and let them know that it is all right to be different. By empowering our young people with information and educating them about women’s’ rights in the society, we can build a better future for all.”
Sharon Walekhwa (on left) with her friend Mwanarabu Otswang, who is CES Alumni Treasurer.
Sharon Nawire Walekhwa is a brilliant young lady who in 2021 graduated with an Honours degree from Egerton University. Completing a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering, she is now a certified member of the Engineers Board of Kenya. Currently Sharon is seeking employment as an intern and in the future hopes to further her studies at the Master’s level.
Being a woman, however has not been easy in a profession, where only one in ten are women. Sharon has endured many challenges, and as she said in a recent interview, “it’s by God's grace I am where I am”. Losing her mother while in class seven, was a huge blow to her academic journey. People advised Sharon to quit school. She remembers an old woman telling her that going to school was a waste of time, and that she should get married so that her husband could support her and her siblings. These words made Sharon cry that day, and she decided to share with her teacher. Fortunately, he encouraged her not to give up.
Being the eldest girl, it would be her responsibility to stay at home to look after a young two year old. But she was lucky to have a caring person, who directed her to keep coming to school. This amazing teacher allowed the child to be in class, permitting Sharon to look after little brother during break time. That same teacher advocated for her to join Sidikho SS.
After emerging the best in her primary school, Sharon could not proceed due to lack of school fees. Her teacher advised her not to repeat, and instead helped her join high school. It was in Form 2, when she was on the verge of dropping out, that caring staff and her school principal introduced Sharon to CES Kenya. With such high grades, she was immediately accepted, and since that time has received full scholarship and support throughout her secondary and university academic career. Sharon also was in the first graduating class of the CESCED Leadership program, passing ‘With Distinction’.
Sharon has shown remarkable insight into the field of agriculture. Research on the "Effects of tractor wheel traffic compaction on soil properties and wheat crop performance”, and her expertise in irrigation methods and field preparation for the production of rice crops has been recognized. Sharon recently wrote a brilliant essay on the tragic effects of drought in Kenya, and the need to create new technology and fresh ideas to deal with a changing environment.
She credits her success to CES and to so many who came alongside her. Her passion is to encourage young women to study science and to make their own unique contribution to society.
This 2022 International Women's Day, let's recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of young women in our society. When Kenyan women succeed, entire communities are strengthened.
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