Summary of "The Moth" Podcast Episode: "Stories from Nairobi: Sandra Kimakoti, Rehema Nanfuka & Bina Maseno"

Release Date: March 9, 2018
Host: Lola Okusami
Episode Focus: Personal stories from three women in Nairobi, exploring themes of gender stereotypes, resilience, and empowerment.

Introduction

In this episode of The Moth, host Lola Okusami introduces listeners to three compelling stories from Nairobi, presented by Sandra Kimakoti, Rehema Nanfuka, and Bina Maseno. These narratives delve into the personal struggles and triumphs of women navigating societal expectations, professional challenges, and the pursuit of meaningful change within their communities.

Sandra Kimakoti: Breaking Stereotypes in Rugby

Timestamp: [02:27] – [09:53]

Sandra Kimakoti's story is a poignant exploration of her journey as a female athlete confronting and overcoming gender stereotypes. From a young age, Sandra idolized her brothers and engaged in sports, particularly basketball. However, her enthusiasm was met with criticism and derogatory remarks about her muscular physique and "boyish" appearance.

Key Highlights:

• Early Challenges:
  Sandra recounts:

  "[...] who told you girls with muscles are beautiful? Strike one. [00:45]"
  This early experience planted seeds of self-doubt regarding her physical appearance and femininity.

• High School Struggles:
  Faced with school policies against permed hair, Sandra chose to cut her hair to comply, only to face further ridicule.

  "[...] I would never be able to shake off this perception that I wasn't feminine enough and I therefore wasn't being beautiful enough. [04:15]"

• Embracing Rugby:
  Moving to the US for university, Sandra discovered rugby and fell in love with the sport's emphasis on physical performance over appearance.

  "And I loved how we would compete on how strong we were, how fast we were, how hard we could hit. [06:30]"

• Internal Conflict:
  While her prowess in rugby boosted her confidence in her abilities, it also intensified her struggles with how her body looked.

  "I want these two things really badly, but I can't have one without compromising the other. [07:50]"

• Turning Point:
  Training with Kenya's women's national team reignited her passion, leading her to reject societal expectations and embrace her identity as a strong athlete.

  "I knew that something has to change and I knew that the self sabotage has to stop. [09:10]"

Conclusion:
Although Sandra has since retired from competitive rugby, she continues to embody strength and resilience as a strategy consultant in Nairobi, proudly identifying as a "gym warrior."

Rehema Nanfuka: Confronting Violence in the Film Industry

Timestamp: [10:27] – [16:56]

Rehema Nanfuka shares her harrowing experience as a filmmaker addressing violence against children and the subsequent personal assault she endured. Her story highlights the pervasive challenges women face in the film industry, especially when advocating for change.

Key Highlights:

• Creating the Film:
  Commissioned by an NGO in 2013, Rehema developed a film aimed at not only reflecting the reality of violence against children but also providing a hopeful resolution.

  "[...] the solution was just so simple. [12:45]"

• On-Set Conflict:
  Post-production, Rehema faced unexpected demands from actors for additional payment, leading to a violent confrontation.

  "When one of the actors slapped me hard across the face... [13:50]"

• Legal Struggles:
  Despite reporting the assault to the police, Rehema encountered systemic barriers, including insufficient police resources and societal pressure to drop the case.

  "I was shocked and hurt. And I was so angry. [14:30]"

• Industry Backlash:
  The film community reacted negatively, with senior filmmakers dismissing her claims and warning her about her future in the industry.

  "They told me I couldn't work anymore, I had to drop the case. [15:20]"

• Irony of the Situation:
  Rehema poignantly reflects on the contradiction between her film's message against violence and the industry's acceptance of her assault.

  "The irony is that I had made a film to stop violence, and these men were telling me that a certain kind of violence was okay. [16:10]"

Conclusion:
Rehema's narrative underscores the complexities and dangers women face when challenging entrenched norms, advocating for change, and standing up against injustice within their professional environments.

Bina Maseno: From Political Defeat to Grassroots Empowerment

Timestamp: [17:35] – [23:24]

Bina Maseno recounts her emotional journey from a losing political campaign to founding the Badili Africa Initiative, illustrating her resilience and commitment to societal change beyond formal political structures.

Key Highlights:

• Campaign Struggles:
  Running for a seat in the county assembly in Embakasi Central, Bina faced immense pressure and societal skepticism about a young woman entering politics.

  "It's now 3am and they've announced results for three polling stations. And I'm not leading... [18:50]"

• Personal Reflections:
  Bina reflects on her family's concerns and societal expectations that politics is not a suitable arena for young women.

  "I think of my dad, who from the very beginning told me political arena is not a space for young women. [19:30]"

• Facing Defeat:
  The announcement of her loss leads to profound emotional distress and self-doubt, questioning her place in the political landscape.

  "How could they not see what happened to all those people who told me they support me... [21:10]"

• Moment of Clarity:
  A conversation with her mentor, Pastor Gowe, prompts Bina to redefine her approach to creating change, emphasizing grassroots movements over official positions.

  "A change agent initiates change whether they are in or out of office. [22:30]"

• Founding Badili Africa:
  Inspired by her experiences, Bina establishes the Badili Africa Initiative to empower youth and young women to become active change agents within their communities, independent of traditional political roles.

  "We are 40 million Kenyans and our leaders make just a fraction of that number. [23:00]"

Conclusion:
Bina Maseno's story is a testament to finding alternative pathways to influence and inspire societal transformation, highlighting that leadership and change can flourish outside conventional political frameworks.

Closing Remarks

Host Lola Okusami wraps up the episode by acknowledging the remarkable journeys of Sandra, Rehema, and Bina. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling in fostering understanding and driving global change. Listeners are encouraged to visit themoth.org for more information and to explore The Moth’s Global Community program, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Final Note:

• Sandra Kimakoti continues to inspire as a strategy consultant and gym enthusiast.
• Rehema Nanfuka remains active in the Ugandan film and theater scene, advocating for safer and more equitable working environments.
• Bina Maseno leads the Badili Africa Initiative, empowering youth and young women across Kenya to initiate change.

Notable Quotes from the Episode:

• Sandra Kimakoti:

  "I want these two things really badly, but I can't have one without compromising the other." [07:50]

• Rehema Nanfuka:

  "The irony is that I had made a film to stop violence, and these men were telling me that a certain kind of violence was okay." [16:10]

• Bina Maseno:

  "A change agent initiates change whether they are in or out of office." [22:30]

This episode of The Moth highlights the resilience and determination of women breaking through societal barriers in Nairobi. Their stories not only illuminate personal battles but also inspire collective action towards a more inclusive and equitable society.