International Women's Day 2021
The Ruben Centre remains firm on the sturdy grid of the Mukuru informal settlement, 35 years after it was planted by a woman, Sister Mary Killeen as a school. Over the years, the school morphed into what is now known as the Ruben Centre.
This development is greatly owed to the great women who have been in leadership since its inception. The women in leadership at the Ruben Centre span across the areas of health, education, social and economic empowerment and Advocacy.
As the International Women's Day celebrations rides on the #ChooseToChallenge Theme, the women leaders and staff at the Ruben Centre aspire to bring change. Madam Scholastica Opiyo, the Headteacher of the Ruben School would like to use her position in leadership to challenge the traditional identity of women. Her aspiration has been exemplified through seeing that young girls access quality education at the Ruben School.
"Women in leadership are the best as they defy traditional norms to disrupt change for the better," Madam Scholastica Opiyo avers.
Alongside education, Women at the Ruben Centre spearhead operations in other departments. Belinda Kamundi, is an on-site Safeguarding Officer at the Ruben Centre, who plays an vital role in protecting children.
Sarah Mutsami, is a psychologist at the Wangu Kanja Foundation that is hosted within the Ruben Centre. She provides psychosocial support to both female and male survivors of physical, emotional and mental occurrences.
Margaret Kariuki, the Advocacy and Networking Coordinator, advocates for dignified livelihoods of young girls and young mothers. Her functionality has seen many young mothers and teenage girls understand their sexual and reproductive rights.
In regards to the placement of female workers, the Ruben Centre has over 64 per cent of staff who are female. This has been done harmoniously in allowing the staff to coexist even as they delivery essential social services to the Mukuru community.
As seen on our Instagram page, our women staff aspire to challenge a lot in our society.