Female staff from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) visited the women’s section of Shimo La Tewa Prison as part of activities to commemorate International Women’s Day, spreading messages of hope, resilience and empowerment to inmates.

The outreach programme, organized by the KPA Women Congress, brought together female employees of the Authority who spent time engaging with inmates at the maximum prison facility.

The visit formed part of the global celebration that recognizes the achievements of women while advocating for gender equality and empowerment.

During the visit, the KPA women donated various essential items and necessities aimed at supporting the welfare of the inmates and improving their living conditions within the correctional facility.

Speaking during the outreach, KPA General Manager for Supply Chain Management Evelyn Shigoli, who represented the Managing Director, emphasized the importance of compassion and solidarity among women.

"As women, we must always support and uplift each other wherever we are in society. Days like today remind us that unity, compassion and encouragement can make a huge difference in someone’s life,” she said.

Shigoli noted that learning from one another and standing together as women plays a key role in building stronger communities.

"Women have immense potential. At the port, for instance, we have women operating cranes while others are pilots guiding ships. This shows that women can excel in any field when given the opportunity,” she added.

She encouraged the inmates not to lose hope despite their current circumstances, reminding them that life challenges should not define their future.

“What you are going through now are life challenges. Do not give up. Being in prison is not the end of life. There is still hope and an opportunity to rebuild your lives,” she said.

Shigoli further noted that the observance of International Women’s Day provides institutions and individuals with an opportunity to extend a hand of support to vulnerable members of society while promoting inclusion and empowerment.

The inmates welcomed the visit and expressed appreciation for the gesture, noting that such interactions help boost their morale and remind them that society has not forgotten them.

International Women’s Day is marked annually around the world to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while also calling for continued action towards gender equality.