Every good deed deserves an appreciation
The Hear Me Too Gala, 2018, hosted and organized by the United Nations women (UN) and Vunja Kimya Kenya, under Elim Trust Organization was a definite thumbs up. Hear Me Too Gala, campus edition, took place on 7th December, 2018 at the Ufungamano House Nairobi. Being an Art Based Event, the Gala attracted guest from various organizations and institutions all over Kenya, mostly various talented artist in different departments;music,spoken word, poetry and theater arts.Vunja Kimya,translated to English, Break the Silence, is an Elim Trust Organization project that mainly focuses on Gender Based Violence in education institutions. The project sees to it that people, mostly those in higher learning institutions (universities and colleges) speak against Sexual gender based violence.
The gala was privileged to host some of the strong spear holders in the war against Gender Based Violence. They Include,C.E.O and founder of Elim Trust Organization,Mrs.Julia Kagunda, who is also the founder of Vunja kimya project.UN Women county director,Ms.Zebib.S.Kavuma.UN Women GBV(Gender Based Violence)project analyst,Wangechi Grace Kahuria.Charity Yator;Vunja kimya Ambassador,Adelle Onyango,media personality and radio presenter, who was the keynote speaker among others. Some of the artists present include, Mufasa the poet, Mc TY and Marcus Olang, Founder stories of Courage.
The higher learning institutions were not left behind as this was the sole purpose of the Gala being a campus edition.Vunja Kimya works hand in hand with various schools to help in tackling and handling Gender Based Violence issues. Some of the institutions present; Daystar university-Valley Road and Athi River Campus. University of Nairobi;Parklands,Kikuyu campus-Upper and lower Kabete and United States International University(USIU).The schools present have been actively involved in matters involving Gender Based Violence in their schools.
Charity Yator, Vunja Kimya Ambassador, delivered the welcoming speech. She has played an important role in the project as she has helped others with their Gender Based Violence experiences while also working through her own trauma as a victim. The Hear Me Too Gala schedule, allowed the guest to have a wonderful learning and entertaining session. From the various speakers on stage to the entertainment session and also the awarding ceremony, a clear indication, it was an awesome experience.
Wangechi Grace Kahura, the UN Women GBV analyst, hosted the inter-university dialogue during the Hear Me Too Gala. There was a play from Daystar University on harmful cultural practices that promote Gender Based Violence, some of the practices featured include, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriages. The play was an eye opener as the visuals from various scenes vividly indicated the dangers of harmful cultural malpractices.
The keynote speaker of the day, Adele Onyango, who is popularly known as radio presenter, started and ended her speech on a high note; she shared her story, being a victim of Sexual Gender Based Violence. She also gave her experience dealing with the health service providers and security sector when she decided to report her ordeal. Being the strong woman that she is, she called out to everyone to play their part in the fight against Sexual Gender Based Violence citing that everyone has a role to play.
There was excitement in the air as the winners were being announced.C.E.O and founder of Elim Trust Organization, Mrs. Julia Kagunda awarded the first runners up.
Glam and pop is understatement. The photography session was impressive as everyone gave their best smiles and even generous to show their striking poses.
The Hear Me Too Gala 2018 was a huge success. All thanks and gratitude to everyone that attended and special thanks to Mrs. Julia Kagunda and the UN Women and also LVCT health Centre.
Event Gallery
{gallery}Me Too Gala{/gallery}