Kevlar

Women are calling out Mercy Masika for organising a “Becoming a Wife Masterclass,” arguing that she should have focused on femicide, gender-based violence, financial independence, and other pressing issues. Fair enough. These issues matter. But why aren’t the same women organising masterclasses, forums, campaigns, and initiatives on the very issues they insist Mercy should have addressed? Why must her platform become their preferred platform? Why must her calling become their calling? If femicide is your concern, organise a forum. If financial independence is your priority, teach financial literacy. If gender-based violence concerns you, mobilise resources and support survivors. You cannot spend your time criticising someone for doing something you consider unimportant while doing absolutely nothing about the things you consider important. Not every initiative must address every social problem to justify its existence. A woman can teach about marriage without claiming marriage is the ultimate measure of a woman’s worth. These issues are not mutually exclusive. And now that the event is reportedly fully booked and ready to proceed, what exactly are the critics hoping to achieve? Cancel an event because it doesn’t align with their personal priorities? You don’t have to agree with Mercy. You don’t have to attend her masterclass. You’re free to organise your own event that addresses the issues you consider more urgent. Wacheni ujinga!