Welcoming our new Regional Director!

Last month, we welcomed Florence Akara to Femme International’s team as our new Regional Director for East Africa! We are so excited to have her leading the organization to new levels of growth and success in Kenya, Tanzania and beyond.

Flo brings to the team a fresh perspective, experience and a deep commitment to empowering girls through health education.

Why are you passionate about girl’s empowerment?

I have personally experienced what it means to grow up as a girl in a society which, albeit giving access to education and opportunities, still boxes the expectations of what it means to be a woman. I am fortunate to have a family that has learned to accept me the way I am, which can be difficult – my concern is for the girls out there that don’t have the same support systems that I have been fortunate to have. Women have so much to offer, but, we are caged in patrilineal societies that force us to step back and evaluate how we act, behave, or speak in order to be deemed acceptable or a “good woman”. We do not unleash our full potential as a consequence. I would like to create a world where girls and women are liberated from that mindset. Where they strive to be the best they can be without any limitations.

What has been the career path that led you to take on this role?

I spent 5 years as a corporate lawyer but never felt any passion for my job. I switched countries and jobs in the hope that I would land that job/role that will lead me to that “passion”. In August 2017, I had enough of waiting for the passion to find me; I resigned from my job and sought to go find this passion. Fortunately, I found an opportunity with a civil society organisation called Chapter One Kenya. Civic activism immediately became a passion I could resonate with. After three months at Chapter One, I knew one thing – I wanted to lead movements that will create platforms through which girls and women will be involved in public policies and decisions affecting them. I did not, however, know how or where I would do this. In January 2018, I moved to Moshi, Tanzania where I lived as a volunteer for three months and thereafter visited various organisations to learn about their work. I met with the Femme International team during my stay in Moshi and immediately knew this was the kind of organisation I want to work with. There is a dire need for our societies and governments to improve policies for access to menstrual health kits and facilities as well as education. What Femme is achieving in East Africa, it’s current region of operation, is nothing short of remarkable and I am grateful for this opportunity to help Femme grow and reach more beneficiaries.

What are you the most excited about with Femme?

I am most excited about Femme’s ability to achieve up to 6 sustainable development goals by just tackling menstrual health issues in East Africa. The reusable pads and menstrual cups coupled with the curriculum training that Femme offers women and girls help tackle sustainability goals for education, health, gender equality, WASH, economic empowerment, responsible consumption and production. This is especially exciting because, through Femme, I will achieve my personal goals of becoming a sustainable development champion by 2030.

Why do you think that #MenstruationMatters?

In my senior high school, we wore yellow tunics and skirts. This was a nightmare during my cycle. My confidence levels were low and I passed any opportunities to stand before the class or explain concepts (which required standing up) because I feared I would be a laughing stock if I had stained myself. Such fears are not without merit; I have witnessed girls shredded to tears when a classful of people point and roll on the floor laughing at her – particularly boys. It is inconceivable how many women pass up opportunities because their self-esteem and confidence are overwhelmed by a fear of something that is so natural. When girls and women learn to own menstruation with confidence, talk about it openly with the support of other women, men, their families, communities and government. They will be more active participants in their societies and not let menstruation inhibit them from any opportunity.

Fast forward five years, where do you see Femme?

I see Femme International having access to girls all over the world. Leading the pack when it comes to discussing women’s matters and teaching girls how to be comfortable in their own bodies so that they can focus their energies on becoming people of substance. In addition, Femme will lead women and girls everywhere to actively participate in sustainability as they take it upon themselves to protect their environment by being mindful of the products they use and put out because they’ve been taught better.