Young Kikuyu women in Kenya navigate a delicate balance between ancestral heritage and modern aspirations. This path is shaped by deep-rooted traditions and the transformative shifts brought about by education and global exposure. As a young Kikuyu, I reflect on how my identity and role as a woman are continuously evolving in a society that values traditions but that is also open to new opportunities.
Introduction
Women in Kenya are becoming more independent, engaged, and vocal about their life experiences and ambitions. Initiatives like “A Letter to My Younger Self”, made popular by Wabosha Maxine’ podcast series and the TikTok account @ltmys_ke, have empowered women to share their personal stories, inspiring millennials and Gen Z with valuable insights to navigate their own paths. These narratives offer strength and courage, helping to reshape societal expectations of womanhood.
However, this shift towards female empowerment has triggered societal tensions. Although some men support women’s independence and choices, social norms in Kenya still uphold male dominance and control over women. In 2024, Kenya witnessed a significant increase in femicide cases, with over 200 documented over 12 months, primarily affecting women aged 18 to 35 and often involving intimate partner violence. Additionally, between September 2023 and January 2024, over 7,100 cases of gender-based violence were reported, including 100 killings of women since August 2024. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for societal change.
Ancestral heritage and traditions
As a Kikuyu young woman, I am part of a community rich in traditions and values, as eloquently described in the pioneering work of Jomo Kenyatta in 1938. The Kikuyu people, known for their industrious nature, have long upheld traditions that emphasize resilience and community strength. Yet, as I navigate modern aspirations, I find myself balancing these traditions with new opportunities, redefining my role as a woman.
Historically, Kikuyu women have been the backbone of their families, engaging in farming, trade, and entrepreneurship. Their adaptability and determination have made them key contributors to both family welfare and broader economic growth.
On the other hand, Kikuyu men are, traditionally seen as heads of the household, are responsible for providing for and protecting their families. They have taken the lead in business and politics. Yet, these traditional roles – shaped by history, economic pressures, and evolving social norms – can feel restrictive, especially as we strive for more autonomy. While some Kikuyu men embrace these shifts in gender dynamics, others feel threatened by the changing roles of women. Women, for example, are often expected to demonstrate loyalty to their spouses, endure hardships silently, and keep domestic issues private. This culture of discretion, while rooted in traditional values, can perpetuate cycles of harmful norms and practices, including the normalization of gender-based violence and the suppression of personal aspirations.
Transformative shifts
Access to higher education and global social media platforms has expanded Kenyan women’s perspectives, encouraging the pursuit of diverse careers and personal development. Trailblazers like Wangari Maathai have demonstrated the profound impact of education, inspiring women to pursue excellence and leadership. As the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, she championed environmental conservation, women’s rights, and democratic governance. Her journey—from being a young girl in rural Kenya to becoming a globally recognized environmental and political activist—proves that education and resilience can break barriers, opening doors for women to redefine societal roles.
Beyond traditional education, young women in Kenya today are tapping into global platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where access to information is limitless. These platforms provide interactive, educational, and inspirational content, allowing women to learn about love, money, self-awareness, mindfulness, and career growth through audiobooks, diverse podcasts, and digital mentorship. Seeing and hearing other women’s successes and challenges brings a sense of empowerment, reinforcing the belief that success is possible. Women from all corners of the world are now brought closer through these platforms, enabling shared learning and collaboration.
A personal source of inspiration for me is Just Ivy Africa, a woman who openly and vulnerably shares her journey of continuously learning. Through her Instagram account (@justivyafrica) and website, I was first introduced to financial literacy at around 18 or 19 years old, where I learned about taxes in Kenya and how they work. Her Instagram highlights are a goldmine of knowledge on finance—an area that, in many spaces, remains a taboo topic for women, especially young women in their 20s. Just Ivy Africa’s work has shown me that it is okay to talk about money, to be financially ambitious, and to actively seek knowledge about wealth-building.
Women like Wangari Maathai and Just Ivy Africa embody the diverse paths to empowerment for young Kikuyu women today. They have paved the way for young women like me to be courageously ambitious, aggressive in our pursuit of growth, and unapologetic in our quest for success. We no longer feel the need to shrink ourselves to accommodate outdated societal expectations that require us to make men feel superior at the expense of our own dreams. Instead, we are redefining what it means to be women—powerful, knowledgeable, and driven—without fear or hesitation, while also embracing diverse perspectives from both men and women to shape a more informed and empowered future.
However, this learning is not limited to women’s experiences alone. Young women today are also boldly listening to and learning from men’s experiences, drawing insights from their perspectives on ambition, leadership, failure, and resilience. Whether through podcasts, books, or personal interactions, women are broadening their understanding of success beyond gendered limitations, absorbing lessons on strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and personal growth. This shift fosters a more holistic approach to empowerment, where wisdom is gathered from both men and women to build a well-rounded foundation for progress.
Crafting new identities
Striving to honour heritage while pursuing personal dreams requires continuous negotiation and resilience. There are moments of internal conflict, but also profound growth as paths are carved that respect both tradition and ambition. Young women are now blending traditional values with modern aspirations to create multifaceted identities. This fusion allows for the honouring of heritage while embracing new possibilities. Balancing societal pressures with personal goals involves redefining success on individual terms, finding harmony between fulfilling traditional roles and pursuing personal ambitions.
Conclusion
As we blend our ancestral heritage with modern opportunities, young Kikuyu women are not only preserving our culture but also shaping a new, empowered identity. This evolution reflects a dynamic society where women are redefining success on their own terms, benefitting both our communities and society as a whole. The continuous negotiation between tradition and ambitions allows us to craft new identities that honour our past while embracing the possibilities of the future.
To ease the transition for young Kenyan women navigating between tradition and modern aspirations, a multifaceted approach is needed. Open community dialogues, such as those by Inua Dada Foundation and Usikimye, can create spaces for constructive conversations on gender equality and empowerment.
Male allyship programs like HeForShe Kenya and Boy Child Agenda Initiative are essential in reshaping societal perceptions and fostering mutual respect. Mentorship networks, including Evas Walk and Young Women’s Leadership Institute (YWLI), provide guidance and support, helping young women confidently pursue their ambitions.
Additionally, mental health awareness initiatives like Mindful Kenya and Better4Kenya offer crucial emotional support, ensuring that women can navigate these shifts with resilience and well-being. By integrating these efforts, society can foster an inclusive and supportive environment where women redefine success on their own terms.
Redefining womanhood: A 21st Century Kenyan Kikuyu woman’s perspective by Amanda Wambui Mathenge
