when I was back in Kenya, I participated in a lot of activities and forums like this. most of the engagements were organized by the UN Women Africa Unite Kenya Chapter which steered national events around the elimination of gender based violence (gbv). i have many memorable moments from those days and top of my list is #JusticeforLiz - Liz (not real name) was sexually assaulted by people she knew and went ahead to report them. The police caught them and for their punishment, they were asked to slash grass and given the ok to go home… let me rewind that. they assaulted someone and the punishment they got was slashing grass…i am still blown away thinking about it.

As we celebrate African philanthropy, we need to understand that our definition of philanthropy is not the same as the west. So our stories will be different…let us tell our stories as they are especially because they are not about Millions of Dollars

This year, Giving Tuesday had a broadcast which featured various personalities and organizations that do good across the globe and I was invited to speak about the good I do in the mental health space and share how people can support mental health organizations and movements. The three keys things I shared are:

“The silence and stigma around mental health has unfortunately been part of the African, and subsequently the Black Community's culture. By putting a global spotlight on mental health, BET is paving the way for these conversations to move from taboo topics that are not talked about in our culture to conversations we can have on the dinner table. By recognizing me and the work I have done so far, BET is affirming me, and those struggling with their mental health, to keep talking about their personal experiences. This recognition is also a testimony for all the female African innovators who have solutions for their communities but are afraid to bring them to light because of the statistics and factors that do not favor female innovators,” says Wafula

Sitawa Wafula at BET Awards 2022 - Los Angeles, California

One of the ways the organization is creating spaces for common challenges to be discussed and for solutions to be shared is through their upcoming conference. Before the pandemic, the conference was to focus on environmental sustainability. Conversation around the common (COVID-19) challenge has been added to the agenda. We will taking part in the conference which will be happening virtually this weekend - 30th and 31st May, 2020.

Play your part

There are a lot of virtual events - conference, concerts, webinars - happening to celebrate this day. The weight of the current pandemic can make us think about the common challenges more than the things we can celebrate. As discussed on the show with the Africa Now officials, it is easy to say no to many things at this time. It is ok to give yourself a break but do not isolate yourself. There is strength is positive community and if you are looking for one, we look forward to meeting you this weekend at the conference.