A student, who is using her middle name Diana for privacy, at Kenyatta University was sexually violated by one of her professors in his office. Diana transferred late to the University after a spot opened up. She became a target for the teacher and one day was asked to see him in his office. He hurt her. Diana quickly switched majors and fell into a depression. She still couldn’t get away from the teacher. She’d still meet up with him when he called because she was scared of him. There was no proof of his continual sexual assault so it was never reported. Instead, Diana avoids him and changed her number.
Now, a few years later, she has spoken out about this injustice in the feelings that it caused her. As she spoke about her experience to 500 students, the mindset that women are inferior is ingrained in their society is very visible. She has sparked the #CampusMeToo Movement in Kenya which has caused dozens of similar stories to come out. This incident has also further fired up the women’s movement in Kenya. As Diana spoke at campaign women chanted “Nina Power!”. The Swahili phrase translates to “I have power”.
This is a very important step towards more equality for women in Sub-Saharan Africa. The continent is full of female abuse, mutalation, rape ect. If these movements continue to flourish and the younger generations keep them up, there could be a major social change. While this thought process is full of hope and optimism, I believe it is not completely unrealistic. This could happen at the very least in more developed areas. I hope Diana receives justice and all the other people who have been in similar situations. The one good thing that came from Diana’s story is that a conversation is now happening amongst the younger generation.