Zimbabwe’s First Lady desire to be mentored by Kenya’s Margaret Kenyatta

On Thursday, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta hosted her Zimbabwe counterpart Auxillia Mnangagwa at State House Nairobi.

The two first ladies discussed their common interest issues including women and children health, women empowerment, and collaboration between their two offices

Auxillia Mnangagwa, the visiting first lady, expressed her interest of being ‘mentored’ by her host in order to learn and benefit from the wide experiences of her Kenyan counterpart.

Mrs Mnangagwa, who assumed office in July this year said, “I have come to see and learn. You are my mentor. I want to replicate whatever you are doing here back in my country,”

Starting her ‘mentorship’ program, First Lady asked the visiting First Lady to accompany her to Tharaka Nithi to launch a water treatment plant.

In regard to the water treatment and purification at Tharaka Nithi, she says she would take the idea home since many people in her country have problems accessing clean water.

In their conversations, they spoke about the innovative engagements of the Kenyan First Lady’s Beyond Zero Campaign initiative which is actively engaged in high level advocacy and awareness creation on health and socio-economic issues touching on women and children.

They also engaged in matters regarding maternal and child health, women empowerment, as well as the First Lady’s efforts to reduce Mother-to-child HIV infections and the transmission of the virus among Kenyans and about the host’s new and innovative Medical safaris program that helps local people to undergo free screening and treatment for various ailments including cancer and HIV.

The Zimbabwe First Lady said, “I am here to witness what gives you the motivation to undertake the many transformative initiatives you are involved in. I need your advice. I need to emulate your strengths.

She also says she has realized that, once women start working, things start moving.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta told her visiting colleague that her motivation and strength comes from Kenyans who have both embraced and appreciated her efforts.

“I get a lot of support from Kenyans. They appreciate and embrace our programs,” said First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.

Besides their mutual interests, the two share interests in addressing the plight of marginalized communities, vulnerable segments of the population especially orphans and victims of gender based violence.

They two first ladies are also keen in speaking on the issue of sexual reproductive health rights and the vulnerability of adolescent girls and young women and their right to education.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta accepted an invitation to visit Zimbabwe by her counterpart sometime next year.