Award winner shines in male dominated domain

By Isaiah Lucheli

When she was young, her dream was to become a diplomat but after landing a job as a provincial administrator Mrs Pauline Dola instantly liked it and enjoyed being in uniform.

Dola, who is the Lugari DC has overcome challenges of her job.

The crowning moment came when she received a presidential commendation, Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) for her exemplary work. She received the award for her efforts to combat crime, resettling IDPs and her peace and reconciliation efforts among communities.

MBS is one of the highest honours bestowed on a DC.

Dola has served as an administrator in Nairobi, Western, Nyanza and Rift Valley provinces.

Lugari was the worst affected district in Western Province during the post-election violence, but was the first to experience expeditious resettlement and integration of more than 20,000 IDPs. Dola says the post-election violence was one of the greatest challenges she faced in her career spanning 19 years, but she overcame it.

"Lugari is a cosmopolitan district and after the violence, I involved the communities in peace and reconciliation efforts. I visited the camps and villages and called for peaceful co-existence," she explains. Dola recalls that during her days in secondary school, she aspired to be a diplomat and studied hard to ensure she achieved her ambition.

The DC, who has a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy, however, says after graduating from university, she secured a job as a DO in 1989 and loved the job.

"When I was employed as a DO, I instantly loved the job as it made me interact with people from all walks of life and resolve issues affecting them," she says.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s says Dola, the Provincial Administration was a male dominated field but she overcame the stereotype that it was a man’s job.

New perception

She, however, says the perception that administration was the domain of men has changed as the Government has continued to appoint women as chiefs, DOs, DCs and PCs.

"During public barazas, we advocate for girl-child education. Most parents only educate their sons sidelining the girls, but I sensitise them during our meetings," says Dola.

Born in 1961, she says she has balanced being a wife, mother and an officer.

"My roles include disseminating and interpreting Government policies and ensuring law and order in the district. Some roles go beyond my docket and discipline and sacrifice is important," says Dola.

She says that while she was a DO in Sigowet in 2003, she recovered bhang worth more than Sh2 million on transit to Nairobi on the Soi-Kapsoit road.

"Teamwork is an important component in my job. One has to be proactive to succeed. Prompt action on information is also very crucial," she says.

Discharge duties

DCs receive paramilitary, conflict management and peace building courses, which Dola says has enabled her to effectively discharge her duties.

She says being an administrator is just a job like teaching or practicing law and advises young people aspiring for the job to work hard.

"My ambition was to be a diplomat but I always admired people in uniform," she says.

Dola says the Government has been supportive and adds that the future is bright for women administrators.

Women as mothers are better placed in handling issues affecting the community that is why we are coming out as a formidable force," adds Dola.

Dola calls on more women to apply for jobs as administrators as the terms of service have improved.