Organization: Life Bloom Services International (Kenya)
Graduation Year: 2009
Entry Title: Midnight Sex Workers Finally Meet Midday Professionals
Entry Description:
As the Executive Director and Transformational Leadership Trainer, I envision a world where human dignity for all is upheld. I am committed to creating a larger platform for sharing the “untold and unlistened to” stories of the women and girls trapped
but breaking free from the indignities of the sex work industry.
In the last year, I have been committed to use every opportunity to share with professionals and religious leaders about this program, talking them into becoming part of the growing circle of policymakers who are supporting sex workers to find their “lost” dignity. My book, “A Walk at Midnight”, has been a great channel to tell part of the story to many people in Kenya and beyond.
Accomplishments:
- In the past year, several women and I have made 12 presentations at universities and religious leaders’ forums. University professors have met with street, brothel and jailed women. Pastors have joined the community in fundraising for the “One Stop Center”. Two national universities are partnering with us to develop curriculum addressing the educational needs of marginalized populations.
- The number of women we serve has grown from 2500 to about 4500 since 2009. Sitting in the brothels and bars listening to stories on the cruelties they face is draining. Their determination to leap into new futures, to their mountain tops - from trapped lives to living personal visions - is an amazing phenomenon.
- 129 women have received transformational leadership training. Of those, 16 are involved in the "One Stop Center" construction; one woman represented Kenya at the International AIDS Conference in Ethiopia; and seven have re-enrolled in schools for formal learning.
As a great fan of "The Oprah Show", I toyed with the idea of hosting a local women TV talk show. I approached media houses in March 2012 with a concept on Transformational Leadership among marginalized women. Results? Two stations said “YES” for the first 13 episodes based on subsidized charges. Women will be able to share their amazing experiences with millions of Kenyans! Current inspiring challenge, raising the funds!
