This 8th March, in celebration of Women’s Day, the Hive has chosen to explore and venture into the life style and motives of a strong, modern and independent lady. Quoted below is an interview with one of the most ferocious and aggressive feminists reigning in the streets of Kikoni, Makerere.
Meet Marion Kirabo, a 22 year old law student at Makerere University, out going Minister of Gender 2019-2020, former GRC Law School Makerere University and staunch female rights activist (Feminist). Kirabo has had a rich leadership past tracing back to her A and O level at Gayaza High School and Makerere College School respectively where she was a prefect, club representative, drama club representative and even a news desk representative.
Our reporter, Eric Ben Kakembo caught up with her at Makerere and below are the excerpts;
QN: What is feminism, one might ask?
Feminism is about a struggle. A struggle that dates back hundreds of years, a struggle not just for equality of opportunities of women and men but also of rights. Its an emancipation, a revolution to get women out of being looked at as any less of humans than men. A struggle to eliminate not only the harassment of women but also the stereotypes built up over the years about what they can and can not do.
QN: What triggered you to become an activist?
I am a natural born feminist. I didn’t just wake up to a realization of injustice but have noticed it all my life right from childhood. Why was it that I alone had to wake up earlier than my brothers, work more and be their cook? Why was it that I was always told to act a certain way, dress a certain way? Lest I don’t make good wife material? Clearly something had to be done about this, who better than me?
QN: Why are some feminists ‘termed’ rude and angry?
I think if you’re going to challenge a system that has been there for years, a system with money and power, you can’t go with soft gloves because no one is going to give you your rights or freedom peacefully. When President Museveni was fighting oppression, he didn’t go to the judiciary and wait for years without change, he stood his ground in the bush. Keep in mind this system was put in place to keep women submissive and oppressed. You can’t place into that system but rather destroy it and rebuild. Look at the women who fought for the right to vote and what they had to do.
QN: What have you managed to achieve so far?
As many might know, we managed to launch an all women protest during the Fees Must Fall strike at Makerere. Something that has empowered girls and women everywhere to take charge of their own situations. We also managed to get the sexually harassing former Olympia custodian kicked out of office and held accountable for his actions. We have launched several campaigns like the sexual awareness 241, peer to peer and lecturer to student, the sexual awareness policy, my body my consent with Honorable Ann Adeke among other campaigns.
Through our transparency and integrity while in office, we have managed to uplift the standard at which women are looked at in positions of power via the university level. Personally, I might not have done revolutionary work but i believe my small strides have laid a foundation for the future women 20 or 50 years to come.
QN: What’s your perception of women’s day?
Unlike other feminists who see this day as a sort of consolation by the system to compensate for all its put women through, I choose to see it positively. Its a day where I take pride in being a woman, treat myself out, do something unique. Generally a celebration to all women out there. Maybe with time I’ll see it differently but as per now this is my perception.
QN: As an activist, what are some of the challenges you’ve been faced with?
The challenges I face as an activist correlate to those of merely being a woman. I am under – looked in many scenarios. There is the whole issue of entitlement of the ‘unwoke’ men and objectification of women by both culture and religion. Women insecurity against sexual violence at work places, homes and I think everywhere is still a big challenge and probably trying to get both men and women on the same agenda.
QN: Who are the role models that inspire you?
Ngonzi Kimamanda, Angella Davis and Hillary Clinton. All exceptional women who have set a fine standard for girls and women everywhere to live up – to. I am also motivated by a quote by Otto Von Bismarck, “The goal is to make history, not write it.” And my personal favorite, “Good girls don’t make history.”
I aspire to continue with my political career and activist work and encourage the girls and women out there, No one should tell you what you can or can not do. You are the master of your own fate.
