Valentine’s Day is often celebrated with roses, chocolates, and heartfelt messages, but for the women teachers of Ndhiwa Comprehensive School, this year’s celebration was unlike any other. Thanks to the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA), the day was marked by an extraordinary gift—a fully equipped breastfeeding room, ensuring that teacher-mothers can now balance their professional and maternal responsibilities with ease.
For KEWOTA, Valentine’s Day is not just about romance; it is a day to advocate for the well-being of women teachers, particularly in matters of maternal health. This year, KEWOTA extended its commitment by sponsoring the setup and equipping of a state-of-the-art breastfeeding room at Ndhiwa Comprehensive School. The launch event was graced by KEWOTA officials from the Homa Bay office and representatives from the headquarters, who officially handed over the facility to the school’s ecstatic teachers.
Emotions ran high as teachers expressed their joy and gratitude. For many, this initiative means a newfound peace of mind. Gone are the days of leaving their infants at home with uncertainty about their well-being. With the breastfeeding room in place, mothers can now bring their babies to school, nurse them comfortably, and leave them in a safe space to nap while they teach. The convenience and emotional relief this brings cannot be overstated.
KEWOTA CEO, Benter Opande, has been at the forefront of championing policies that promote the establishment of breastfeeding centers in schools across the country. Since its inception, KEWOTA has been vocal about the necessity of such facilities in learning institutions. In several public forums, Ms. Opande made public statements advocating for a legal framework that would mandate all schools to provide breastfeeding and nursing rooms for their women teachers.
KEWOTA strongly believes that such policies would significantly benefit the education sector. By ensuring that women teachers have access to breastfeeding rooms, schools can enhance productivity, as teachers no longer have to choose between their professional duties and their roles as mothers. The long-term impact is a stronger, more empowered teaching workforce that contributes to improved educational outcomes.
As a welfare organization dedicated to uplifting the living standards of women in the teaching profession, KEWOTA continuously seeks partnerships to further its initiatives. Organizations and stakeholders interested in collaborating on similar projects can reach out through info@kewota.co.ke.
Women teachers face unique challenges in their careers, and KEWOTA remains steadfast in its mission to support them every step of the way. Through access to valuable resources, mentorship programs, and advocacy for better working conditions, KEWOTA ensures that its members feel secure, supported, and empowered to thrive.
To become a member of KEWOTA and be part of transformative initiatives like this, teachers can register through this link: Join KEWOTA.