Angry Successful Woman in D.C

Kenyans attending the Kenya Diaspora Conference Sunday were entertained through the unplanned presentation by Dr. Mary in what became the drama show titled, “My husband left me for another woman.” The drama started after the five men panelists and moderator finished talking and it was announced there would be no questions taken because of time. Dr. Mary already in line rather than agree to this, spoke into the live microphone. “Women too are successful,” she said in reference to the all men panel, “I have my success story.” She waved her notepad to the air showcasing she had technology power and where her presentation was. The affirmation of “Yes” heard from women in the crowd gave Dr. Mary the go ahead as she removed the live microphone and started her show.

The organizers conversant with the constitution of gender balance should have probably balanced the speakers in the Plenary Session titled Kenya Diaspora Success in America: Helping/Positioning Self to Help Kenya –What it takes. The topics covered included, The Role of Immigration in Promoting Competitiveness in Kenya and the U.S. and was presented by Mr.Japheth Matemu an Attorney with Matemu Law Office (NY).  What it takes to succeed in business in U.S.A and how this success can be transferred to Kenya presented by Mr. David Karangu – CEO Ivory Chevrolet Atlanta.   Successes in the Academia presented by Professor Makau Mutua, Dean SUNY Buffalo Law School and Successes in the Health Sector: Dr. Isaya Okwiya, Calvert Memorial Hospital and Shore Health/University of Maryland Medical Systems. The Moderator was Professor Francis Koti –University of North Alabama. Dr. Mary looking at the all men panel was angry maybe at Professor Makau who had stated the Kenya women are humble and not aggressive as she went ahead with her presentation.  

The narration of her success gave the listening crowd her history of coming to U.S, employment and the bringing up of her children as a single mother, whom she named as currently attending colleges. She said she had brought them up to be successful. If the story had ended here maybe she would most likely have received applause and gender balance she sought achieved. However the statement, “My husband left me for another woman,” made this become a drama show of failed relationships and those who have watched such dramas on talk shows and soap operas television knew when to cut sound. The sound cut resulted to the soundless act for those of us who were not close by. Dr. Mary lips moved and arms went to the air as the show came to a close. A full panel of women took the stage as was arranged to talk of their successes a sign that the organizers had planned of gender equality if only Dr. Mary had read the program or waited.