My Dear Woman

Being a girl means holding an incredible, often unacknowledged power. In many traditions, including mine, the girl child is seen as wealth to a family when she gets married, or as someone to handle chores, to remain silent before elders, and to have her views dismissed. I've lost count of how many times I've heard, "What will a woman tell me?" or "I don't argue with women." Yet, I have lived to defy those statements. I know I am a force, and you are too, my dear woman.

In 2016, I became a leader in my school, and I never looked back. In 2017, I was voted head of prefects for my region, leading over 30 high schools. In 2018, I became the head of the prefects’ board in my school. University politics didn’t appeal to me, but I didn't shy away from leadership; instead, I founded an organization advocating for digital literacy for both girls and boys. In 2020, I started a movement to mentor young girls affected by teenage pregnancies. I walked over 10 kilometers, reaching villages in my home region to guide these girls, reminding them that all is not lost—education remains the ultimate equalizer.

This year, I was chosen by CodeJika.com, a South African organization championing coding among youth, to be their Project Manager for Kenya. Six months later, I have graduated over 149 students with web design skills and hosted a one-of-a-kind competition in Eldoret. It was tough and nerve-wracking, but it awakened something powerful within me. I was terrified—terrified of carrying the dreams and aspirations of these children on my shoulders. Yet, my dear woman, I never cowered. Step by step, day by day, I did it. I discovered strength I didn’t even know I had, a power within that I never realized existed. I learned that we often don’t know our true capabilities until we are thrown into the deep. Don’t let fear hold you back. Dive in, and trust me, your strength will find you when you need it most.

Coming from a family with limited means, I learned early that a closed mouth leads to a closed destiny. Despite society’s definition of a woman's place as one of silence, I never believed that was my fate. Today, I am the first in my family to pursue a degree. Through my determination and fight, I now lead my family. My brothers seek my advice, and my mother sees me as her pride and joy.

Life is tough, and even tougher for a woman coming from a community where you must constantly prove yourself—prove that your voice matters. But remember this: you are a symbol of life itself, and you are far more powerful than you may realize.

Wear your crown proudly, speak your mind boldly, carry yourself with confidence, and always strive to lift other women up. I am Susan Khasoa, a great woman in the making, destined to lift generations and be a blessing to many. I was born a leader, a warrior, and so were you, my dear woman.

Wake up. Stand up. Speak up. And do.

With all my love and belief in you,  

Susan Khasoa