Kenya Participants:

1. Mr. Khatibi - Cultural Counselor, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Nairobi
2. Dr. Mercy Kihumba - International Liberty University, Kenya

 

The webinar on the "Role of Women in Strengthening the Foundation of the Family" was held online via the Google Meet platform. The event was organized and hosted by the Cultural Council, Tanzania. Participants from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, all intellectuals in their respective fields, attended the webinar.

Dr. Mercy Kihumba from International Liberty University was invited by the Cultural Council, Nairobi to deliver a presentation during the webinar. Her presentation focused on the changing roles of women in the family and how the definition of a family has evolved over time due to the influences of the changing world and westernization.

Dr. Kihumba highlighted that the traditional definition of a family, consisting of a father, wife, and child, has expanded to include other variations such as single mothers, single fathers, and mother-child relationships through surrogate mothers. She emphasized that women have taken on additional responsibilities to supplement what husbands bring to the table in order to sustain their families. This has led to women venturing into jobs that were previously considered male-dominated to provide for their families financially.

However, Dr. Kihumba also acknowledged that these new roles and responsibilities have come with challenges. For instance, when women are occupied with work, children may be left in the care of domestic managers who may not effectively instill the intended values and teachings in them. Moreover, some husbands have neglected their duties, leaving women to bear the burden of raising the family single-handedly and don’t appreciate the domestic jobs that women do at home.

In her conclusion, Dr. Kihumba emphasized the importance of both husband and wife joining hands to bring up the family. She stated that raising a family is a mutual and cardinal duty that should be shared by both parents. Dr. Kihumba urged for a collaborative approach, where husbands and wives work together to ensure the well-being and proper upbringing of their children.

At the end of the meeting, the Cultural Counselor, Mr. Khatibi, expressed his gratitude to Dr. Mercy Kihumba for her insightful presentation and active participation. He also thanked her for the continued cooperation she accorded the cultural Counsellor over the years she was at the University of Nairobi. He awarded her with a token of appreciation on behalf of the Cultural Council for her valuable contribution to the webinar.

Overall, the webinar provided a platform for intellectual discourse on the evolving role of women in the family and the challenges they face in fulfilling these roles. The Cultural Council and participants recognized the importance of recognizing and supporting the contributions of women in strengthening the foundation of the family. The webinar served as a means to promote awareness and understanding of these evolving dynamics within the context of cultural and societal changes.

Dr. Mercy Kihumba Biography:

Dr. Mercy Kihumba is an accomplished professional with a strong academic background and research expertise. She is an alumna of the University of Nairobi, where she completed her studies prior to her current positions. Dr. Kihumba currently serves as an Assistant Researcher at Peace League Africa, where her work focuses on indigenous politics in third world states and the role of women in peacekeeping across Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Her educational qualifications include a Higher Diploma in Psychology and a Bachelor's degree with a double major in Political Science and Peace Studies. Currently, she is pursuing a Doctorate in Leadership at ILU (International Liberty University). Her research interests are centered on the complexities of indigenous politics and the significant contributions of women to peacekeeping efforts in various regions.

Dr. Kihumba's dedication and excellence in her field have been recognized through various accolades. Notably, she received the prestigious Junior Researcher of the Year 2021 award at a competition held in the United Arab Emirates, where she showcased her outstanding performance in research. This recognition highlights her exceptional skills and commitment to her work.

Dr. Kihumba's expertise and passion extend beyond academia, as she is available for freelance assignments, research contracts, and speaking engagements. Her broad knowledge and experiences make her a valuable resource in the fields of indigenous politics, women's roles in peacekeeping, and leadership studies.

With her academic qualifications, research accomplishments, and recognition as an emerging researcher, Dr. Mercy Kihumba is poised to make significant contributions to her field and continue to advance our understanding of indigenous politics and women's involvement in peacekeeping efforts.