Slum woman with a big heart

Despite being jobless, Jane Anyango has brought up her four children and other girls in Kibera, says KIUNDU WAWERU

To be a hero or a heroine, one must give an order to oneself.

Simone Weil

In one of the best books ever written, Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela, success is said not to depend on what you are given, but rather on what you do with what you have.

These words ring true for Jane Anyango, who has struggled most of her life trying to bring up four children in the slums of Kibera without gainful employment. Her husband was a driver but the pay was not enough.

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"The situation was running out of hand and women and children were suffering the most. We wanted to put a stop to the violence so we organised the march, even though we knew it would be very dangerous. We called out to our neighbours and about 200 people turned up," recalls Anyango.

District Officer Kepher Marube gave them audience. Their message was simple, yet powerful. "Please talk to your husbands," they cried to First Lady Lucy Kibaki and Ida Odinga, "we are suffering."

The media captured the statement by the women.

"Our protest was a success," says Anyango. "We met two days later and formed Kibera Women for Peace and Fairness. I was elected leader and my biggest challenge was to get people to co-exist again. I wanted people to share their experiences, as I knew this would help us heal. Then we selected village leaders to enhance peace in their areas."

In later meetings, the women convinced men to join them. Surprisingly, residents opened up and emotionally confessed their acts. Anyango says: "Ever seen men cry? They did at these meetings, as they were overcome by emotions."

Some of those who had looted property returned it, others left houses they had taken over, displacing the owners.

"Hopes were raised and peace prevailed, and I believe it is because the people had a lot of confidence and goodwill in us," says Anyango.

Today, Kibera Women for Peace and Fairness is still going strong and holds regular meetings at the playground next to the DO’s office, which they have dubbed ‘freedom square’.

They have also introduced women’s football and merry-go-rounds.

"If women could bring peace to Kibera, what can’t we do?" poses Anyango adding: "For years, people have come here offering solutions for us, but I know all we need is empowerment and we shall deal with our problems."