KENEILE THOPI
Leading with Care: Keneile Thopi’s Journey in Advancing Women’s Health and Voice
Q. Can you tell us about your journey: how did you first begin working as a grassroots women leader in your community?
My journey with the North East Network (NEN) began in 1998 when I was invited to attend a workshop on health at Chizami House. That workshop became a turning point in my life. After the programme, ten of us volunteered to work as community health workers in our villages.
At that time, I myself did not have much knowledge about women’s health. Because of this, I attended several trainings and workshops where we learned about adolescent girls’ health, care for pregnant women, support for lactating mothers, and basic first aid. These training sessions helped me understand women’s health issues more deeply and gave me the confidence to work with women and girls in my community.
The following year, we began working more actively on women’s health. We started learning about the importance of sharing health knowledge with women and young girls in villages. As part of our work, we conducted research on women’s health issues and organised awareness programmes in different villages. Through these programmes, we shared information about health, hygiene, nutrition, and the importance of caring for women’s health at different stages of life.
At that time, there were no vehicles available in our area. To reach different villages, we had to walk long distances. Sometimes the journeys were tiring, but we continued because we believed the work was important for the well-being of women and the community.
As time went on, I began co-facilitating awareness sessions and supporting my team members during training. These experiences helped me build confidence in speaking publicly and sharing my ideas. I also attended leadership training, and through my work volunteering in women’s health and connecting with different communities, I slowly gained the confidence to raise my voice about issues affecting women.
Later, I joined a women’s society as the General Secretary, where I had the opportunity to guide and mobilise women in the community. Eventually, I was also selected as a Village Council member representing women, and I continue to serve in that role today.
Q. What were the realities for women in your area when you first started? What kinds of challenges were most visible?
When I first started working in my community, many women were not aware of their own health needs. There was very little health education available, and knowledge about family planning was limited. Hygiene practices were also often inadequate. Many women were shy and hesitant to talk about their health problems openly. Since most doctors were men, many women felt uncomfortable discussing their concerns with them. Because of this, fewer women attended meetings or sought help for their health issues.
These challenges made me realise how important it was to create spaces where women could feel comfortable learning, asking questions, and speaking openly about their health.
Q. As a senior community leader, what kept you motivated to continue this work despite resistance or fatigue?
What keeps me motivated to continue this work is my concern for the growth of women and the well-being of the community. Over the years, I have seen women become more confident and active in their communities. Watching women gain knowledge, empower themselves, and inspire young women leaders gives me great encouragement.
Q. Was there a defining moment when you realised that women in your community needed structured support systems?
I have been working with NEN and the Chizami Women Society for more than 15 years now. Through this experience, I have seen many of the challenges women face.
Many women experience violence or discrimination. Some are excluded from decision-making processes, while others lack opportunities or confidence to speak up. There are also women who struggle because they do not have the support systems they need. Seeing these realities made me realise how important it is to have structured support systems in place. Organisations like NEN and women’s groups provide spaces where women can learn, support one another, and raise their voices in the community.
Q. Based on your experience, what do you believe still needs to be done to ensure justice for women and to build a truly equitable society?
Over the last two decades, I have witnessed many positive changes.
In the past, women had very little space in decision-making processes. They often received unequal wages and had fewer opportunities to participate in community discussions.
Today, I see many encouraging developments. Women are now part of decision-making bodies, they receive equal wages in many places, and they have more opportunities to participate in different areas of community life.
However, one important thing that still needs strengthening is solidarity among women themselves. As women, we must encourage, support, and appreciate each other. When women stand together and uplift one another, it builds confidence and strengthens leadership. This unity is essential for creating a truly just and equitable society.
Q. What message would you like to share with young women leaders this International Women’s Day?
To young women leaders, my message is: your voice matters.
Take the opportunities that come your way and work with integrity to bring about positive change. When young women step forward with courage and commitment, they can transform not only their own lives but also the lives of many others in their communities.
