ALC Fellows Interview with Marceline Odhiambo and Kaltumi Abdulazeez
Discussion Programme
Hello and welcome to The Discussion Programme on ALC Pan-African Radio! I’m your host, Desmond Davies, and in this episode, we delve into a crucial conversation that resonates across Africa—the role of women in leadership, peacebuilding, and politics.
- Joining me are two phenomenal young leaders, both 2024 ALC Fellows:
Marceline Odhiambo from Kenya, founder of Grassroots Women and Politics, an organisation focused on empowering widows, especially those living with HIV or disabilities, through political awareness, financial literacy, and peacebuilding. - Kaltumi Abdulazeez from Nigeria, founder of Ladies Empowerment Goals and Support Initiative (LEGASI), a movement advocating for women’s leadership and participation in decision-making, inspired by the principles of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.
Now, listeners, let’s set the stage. Africa has a long history of powerful women leaders, from Queen Amina of Zaria to anti-colonial heroines like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. Yet, today, women continue to face immense barriers—cultural norms, political exclusion, and even violence—when they try to claim their rightful space in leadership.
Marceline and Kaltumi share personal stories of resistance, the societal pushback they’ve endured, and the unwavering determination that fuels their work. From the rural villages of Kenya to the conservative regions of northern Nigeria, these two women are breaking barriers and proving that gender equality isn’t just an aspiration—it’s a necessity.
But here’s the big question: How do we shift the narrative? Why do young people—especially women—continue to be sidelined despite Africa’s commitment to Agenda 2063, which envisions a progressive and inclusive future? Is the system designed to keep youth out of politics?
As we explore these pressing issues, Marceline and Kaltumi offer bold solutions, calling for stronger networks, financial support, and better representation in politics. Their dream? A new generation of African leaders who are empowered, educated, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.
Stay with us because this conversation is just getting started.
You’re tuned into ALC Pan-African Radio. Let’s disrupt, challenge, and, most importantly, build a better Africa together!
Episode Outline:
Host: Desmond Davies
Guests: Marceline Ogiambo (Kenya) & Kaltumi Abdulaziz (Nigeria), 2024 ALC Fellows
Episode Duration: 48:54 minutes
Show: Discussion Programme
1. Introduction & Guest Introductions (00:00:26 – 00:02:06)
- Host Desmond Davies introduces the show and guests: Marceline Odhiambo (Kenya) and Kaltumi Abdulazeez (Nigeria).
- Overview of their organizations: Grassroots Women and Politics (Marceline) and LEGASI (Kaltumi).
2. Societal Barriers to Women’s Leadership (00:03:00 – 00:06:25)
- Marceline discusses gender roles and exclusion from decision-making spaces (e.g., barazas , churches).
- Kaltumi highlights systemic discrimination, citing examples like Natasha’s attacks in Nigeria and global underrepresentation.
3. Historical Erasure of Women’s Contributions (00:20:03 – 00:24:14)
- Kaltumi references Queen Amina of Zaria and Marceline notes erased roles of women in Kenya’s Mau Mau uprising.
- Critique of patriarchal narratives weaponising culture/religion to sideline women.
4. Financial Hurdles for Grassroots Organisations (00:27:33 – 00:33:11)
- Marceline shares reliance on personal savings and sporadic grants.
- Kaltumi critiques global funding biases favouring established NGOs over grassroots initiatives.
5. Political Participation & Youth Engagement (00:33:21 – 00:38:23)
- Challenges for youth in politics: financial barriers, exploitation by leaders.
- Marceline emphasises intergenerational solidarity and radical space-taking.
6. Violence Against Women in Leadership (00:09:00 – 00:10:53)
- Kaltumi discusses physical/online violence against women in politics (e.g., menstrual cycle stigma, attacks on activists).
- Marceline shares personal experiences of cyberbullying.
7. Rural vs. Urban Women’s Experiences (00:13:05 – 00:15:24)
- Kaltumi argues rural women’s activism is underreported.
- Marceline notes internalised patriarchy and confidence gaps among women.
8. Intergenerational Solidarity & Mentorship (00:35:49 – 00:44:50)
- Call for youth networks and mentorship to challenge the status quo.
- Kaltumi stresses the need for platforms to amplify marginalised voices.
9. Media’s Role in Shifting Narratives (00:45:00 – 00:46:40)
- Desmond highlights weak communication by African leaders; Marceline and Kaltumi agree on the media’s power to document grassroots stories.
10. Closing Remarks & Future Aspirations (00:46:43 – 00:48:43)
- Marceline and Kaltumi reaffirm their commitment to leadership (e.g., Kaltumi’s presidential aspirations).
- Desmond closes with gratitude and a call to action for equity.
Download the full transcript here
