Patmoz
By Dennis Muritu
Sixteen women celebrated a significant milestone today, graduating from the Women Organization for Justice and Opportunity (WOJO) program, a collaborative initiative between Clean Start Africa and “A New Way of Life.”
The graduation ceremony, held at the United States International University (USIU), marked a pivotal moment in the lives of women who have navigated the challenges of the criminal justice system.
Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons in Charge of Technical Services Jane Kirii on behalf of Dr. Salome M. Beacco, CBS, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Correctional Services, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the government’s commitment to rehabilitation and second chances.
“Today, we bear witness to renewal,” Ms. Kiiri stated, highlighting the transformative work of Clean Start Africa in restoring dignity and empowering women.
Left to Right: Clean Start Africa Board Chair Renee Ngamau, Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons In Charge of Technical Services Jane Kirii, Janet Irungu of Nafasi Yangu and Teresa Njoroge Founder and CEO Clean Start Africa sharing a moment during the graduation ceremony of formerly imprisoned women who undertook a 6 month leadership program organized by Women Organizing for Justice and Opportunity based in the United States.
The WOJO program focuses on equipping women with skills in advocacy, community organization, personal empowerment, and resilience-building.
Jane underscored the need for a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation over punitive measures, particularly for the 80% of Kenyan women charged with non-violent offenses.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our policies and practices do not disproportionately criminalize women but rather empower them to rebuild their lives,” she said.
She referenced international frameworks, including the Maputo Protocol, the American Convention on Human Rights, the Bangkok Rules, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, as crucial guides for supporting women impacted by incarceration.
The Principal Secretary pledged the government’s commitment to strengthening policies that support alternatives to incarceration, community reintegration programs, and economic empowerment initiatives for ex-offenders.
“Your journey has been one of focus, agility, and positivity,” Dr. Beacco told the graduates in her statement. “You have chosen not to be defined by your past but to carve a new path forward.”
The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including Ms. Teresa Njoroge, Founder & CEO of Clean Start Africa; Ms. Renee Ngamau, Board Chair of Clean Start Africa; Dr. Susan Burton, Founder of “A New Way of Life”; and representatives from the Kenya Prisons Service and the Judiciary.
Kiiri concluded the address by extending heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and expressing gratitude to Clean Start Africa, “A New Way of Life,” and USIU for their dedication to empowering women and fostering positive change.
She also thanked all the government agencies that helped to make the day possible.
