Day Six

After yesterday’s presentation on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Kenya, we explored its aftermath today. We visited the Ruiru Sub-County Hospital, a local, level 4, public hospital in Kiambu County. While waiting outside for the doctors, we spotted a mango tree. Branches full of unripe fruit, we engaged in banter about climbing trees in our youth, joking about grabbing one of the mangoes from the higher arms of the tree. Zoe challenged herself to the climb, making the ascend up bark appear effortless, while the rest of us stood on ground cheering her on, she rattled the branch with mangoes, hoping one would fall. Sandipa, grabbed a rock and launched it to the branch with the fruit, and to our surprise, managed to knock a mango down! All of us laughed and celebrated, as if we’d won the golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Though none of us could indulge in the sweet orange goodness (it was underripe), the small feat left wide smiles across all faces. 

We were guided by Dr. Patience Wanjuru, who introduced us to Dr. Glory, a clinician in charge of the sexual and gender-based violence recovery office. Since 2019, she has been running the HIV/GBV clinic, where her work and dedication has impacted many across the local community. She first led a detailed session about reproductive health services at the hospital and how they prioritize maternal and child health for the community, especially for those who have experienced any kind of GBV. She presented two documents that patients must complete upon entering the clinic. The first was a newly improved registration form for patients who have experienced GBV. The second was the Post-Rape Care (PRC) form, which provides three carbon copies of information for the police, hospital, and the client themselves to track records, maintain confidentiality, and seek justice. While looking at this book, and hearing Glory’s breakdown of each section, we were all in awe at how the examination and procedures are conducted in such a delicate and intimate manner. The doctors and clinicians prioritize the security and privacy of their patients. Depending on the type and severity of trauma endured by survivors, comprehensive care that includes various services—trauma counseling, HIV testing, ultrasounds, vaccines, and emergency contraceptive pills—is provided free of charge. Trauma counseling may be provided for free for up to three months for patients, and the clinicians make regular check-up calls.

We were then introduced to a focus group of 35 pregnant women. Starting with a brief introduction and distribution of sodas to the group by us, we addressed the common challenges they face when accessing medical services, including transportation, lack of maternal knowledge, and limited support systems during hospital visits. The majority of the women did not speak, which is unsurprising given they were more comfortable using Kiswahili and we were asking rather personal questions. But towards the end of the session, more women spoke about health struggles and experiences. Due to the language barrier and the sensitivity of the questions asked, many of us felt slightly unprepared going into this open discussion. Had we been briefed on this portion of the visit prior to arriving, we could have better prepared questions in advance, or we could have even begun with our own personal health experiences and setbacks as a way to “break the ice.” 

After having lunch, we made our way to the Business Services and Student Center (BSSC) at Kenyatta University (KU) to attend a lecture led by Professor Margaret Keraka of Public Health in which she discussed the challenges and opportunities in reproductive health care services, including harmful practices, like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which was outlawed in Kenya in 2011. Thus, we ended our lecture gaining valuable perspectives advocating for GBV awareness and promoting satisfying and safe sex and reproductive lives. The information we received and the campaigns at work specifically align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health & Well-being. We feel encouraged to be part of the change we all wish to see!

Our evening concluded with a lovely dinner at the home of Dr. Isabell’s  parents. Her mother and a cook prepared a beautiful meal for all of our bellies. The sky, overcast, created soothing breezes that cooled us down from the heat and intensity of the day. We conversed with Isabell’s siblings, discussing our majors and aspirations for post-graduation over delicious mango and watermelon juices. We were immensely grateful to have been invited into the home of Dr. Isabell’s family, since invitational dinners are a rather rare occurrence in the United States (at least in this century). We had seasoned rices, mukimo (a comfort food of potatoes, peas, and hominy), chicken, beef stew, and fruit salad made with carrots, pineapple, and apple (a tasty mix!). Knowing that we were all amandazi and samosa fanatics. Isabell’s mother went out of her way to ensure we got a platter full of them to top off the meal. The homemade versions of these were much more delicious than the hotel ones! The hospitality we’ve experienced on this trip highlights the deep sense of community and collectivism that is inherently lacking in the United States. We are among a culture of giving, of extending, and sharing; we all felt deeply honored to have been in the presence of Isabell’s family for the evening, including Jasmin, Isabell’s youngest daughter, who was born in the United States while Isabell was a Fulbright Scholar at Hollins!

By Sandipa and Celeste