Our expert: Ireneous Kombe

The International Solidarity Foundation office in Kenya has a new country director as the experienced NGO professional Ireneous Kombe began her role at the start of the year. “It is an honor to be building a bright future for the women of Kenya.”

A Passion for Girls’ Rights

Girls’ rights, women’s education, and equal opportunities in the workforce are key sources of inspiration for Ireneous Kombe, the new country director of ISF in Kenya. Having previously worked in areas such as child protection, Kombe is a long-time community work professional — and a veteran female leader.

“We are still in a period in Kenyan society where not all men recognize the right of women to be heard and seen,” says Ireneous Kombe. In the workplace, this can manifest as attitudes and comments that undermine women’s leadership.

In ISF, Kombe has not encountered such undermining. “On the contrary! I have been warmly welcomed.”

From Kitchens to Big Shoes

Ireneous Kombe is particularly motivated in her work by being a role model. “Previously, girls often dropped out of school because they had never seen a woman ‘outside the kitchen’,” Kombe explains. “Each of us female leaders offer young girls the chance to imagine their future outside the kitchen, in big shoes.”

Kombe also mentions her own daughters, one 24 and the other 14 years old. They have grown up seeing their mother engaged in demanding work. “When my older daughter was in middle school, she came home with a poor grade in math. She said the teacher had told her that math was for boys — and too difficult for girls.” This led to a serious family discussion since her daughter dreamed of becoming a doctor.

“My daughter did not give up and brought home a good grade on the next test. Next year she will graduate as a doctor.”

Changing Role of Women

According to Ireneous Kombe, women’s roles in Kenya are still tightly normed — but they are changing. Women are becoming more educated and, through this, more aware of their rights. “Kenyan women are increasingly speaking out.”

In the working area of ISF, Kisii, and other remote regions, there is still a large number of people, especially women, who are illiterate. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is also common in the Kisii area. “Many parents are guided by the fear that a girl who has not undergone FGM will not be able to marry. In such cases, the girl’s parents also do not receive the dowry, which is financially significant for many parents.”

The connection between women’s own livelihood and the bodily integrity of women and girls is also strong. “Women who are financially independent can oppose the mutilation of their daughters with much more confidence. The position of women who are entirely dependent on their spouses is very different in such discussions.”

Kombe emphasizes the long-term nature of the work against FGM and violence against women. “Abandoning tradition is not an event but a process. First, a seed is planted, and the journey from seed to fruit is long.”

A Bright Future

Ireneous Kombe believes that the future of Kenyan women is bright. “In the future, we will see more educated women, women in leading roles. Hopefully, the day will soon come when we have a female president in Kenya.”

Article photo: Eeva Anundi