HER GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

Chapter 11: Nothing comes for free

****Flashback*****

Mr. Williams a senior lecturer of occupational law was offering to give her a lift home. She had missed her parents and it was the only time they were going to be around. She had the bus fare but she hated public transport so when Williams insisted on giving her a lift she agreed gladly.

Her previous experience with public transport was not that good. That day she was seated at the back seat of a fourteen seater matatu overlooking the window. The Hustle and bustle of hawkers and traveler’s touts and drivers horns blaring people going on with their daily activities. A young woman in her early twenties came in with a short mini dress and high heeled shoes. The touts kept making funny noises ululating. They were lost in a psychotic frenzy just like Ruth's colleagues in the office. While this kind of behavior is believed to be universal in all men it shouldn't be shown publicly like they did. The whole incident captured the attention of everyone and within those few minutes a small throng. Typical human behavior. We always run towards the danger except in this case it was no danger just a bunch of immoral touts body shaming an innocent girl on her dress code.

But was she innocent? Linda agreed on her part of the blame. Wearing a transparent short dress from what she knew was harassment of men's feelings. She might have considered them as horny dogs with the exception of his dad and James but the girl was tempting them. Pulling their strings. More than four touts swarmed in a bid to convince her to board their respective vehicles. She had a small hand bag and one suitcase. While one pulled her to his PSV the other two were carrying her luggage away in the opposite direction. The poor girl was left between following her suitcase and following the tout who could not let go of her arm. And as you know there are opportunistic fellas who hide in the cover of protecting the girl child. They speak high of their values but in real sense they use the cheap talk as means to a more convenient end that satisfies no one but them. They also joined in pretending to solve the conflict. But Linda could see with her two eyes what they were really doing.

Touching her indicently.one of them went to an extent of freeing her breasts. One thing led to another and her dress was now torn showing a big chunck of her body. Overcome by shame she couldn't even scream. It took the mercy of one brave police officer and a couple of women who ran to her rescue with bed sheets they were selling by the road. Linda was infuriated but there was nothing she could do. Actually there was. She was studying to be a lawyer. To fight and protect the rights of women so that no other woman will have to go through what the girl went through-public stripping. To make matters even more worse some found the ordeal funny to record and post on their social media. The worst of all. The aftermath was the poor lady attempting suicide it made her even angrier to an extend she boycotted public transport and opted for taxi or being picked up.

That day Williams called her very early in the morning. He was planning to come back in the evening. He picked Linda from her apartment gate at exactly 8pm as promised. The journey was expected to take at least four hours depending on his driving. After one hour Williams took a detour. He explained that he had to check on old friend who owned a resort somewhere along river pageant well known for traditional practices of male circumcision and rumours of the disgusting and human rights banned FGM. Linda accepted without demur after all she was being offered a lift there was no room for questions. When they got to the said resort they were welcomed warmly by his friend whom he introduced as Jacob the owner of the resort. She was left having a drink at the reception while the two friends asked for her permission to go consult in private. Five minutes later a maid brought Linda a glass of juice with some pancakes courtesy of Williams as a way of apologizing for taking long. Again she didn't ask any questions. The first sip of juice tasted different.

The second one got her asking if it was expired. There were no waitresses around so she decided to go find one and inform them of the mistake. She was bold and courageous skills that any lawyer needed. When she got up she suddenly started feeling dizzy. Her head felt heavy and empty at the same time and her eyesight was becoming blurry. At first she thought the whirling sensation was due to traveling which occurred to her almost every time she traveled and that day she had forgotten to carry her pills. Luckily she met a male waiter who discovered she was not okay at first sight. Linda explained the drink having an unusual taste and how she felt dizzy the moment she tasted it. He took her to the kitchen and offered her a glass of water then left to bring the glass with Linda's drink when he came back she was gone.

He searched everywhere and no one was admitting on seeing her. The guy’s name was Felix and he was new at the resort. On his way back to the kitchen he heard a commotion in one of the VIP suites. Felix leaned in to eavesdrop and he recognized her voice. It was Linda. He was stuck between getting fired or saving a poor girl who was being taken advantage of. The drink was mixed with surplus amounts of a hallucinogenic substance thanks to his pharmaceutical knowledge he realized the moment he smelled her glass. Felix made a choice and kicked the door down. He caught William pants down forcing himself on top of Linda. The water he had given her kept her alert. William was froze as Felix pushed him away. He dressed up and ran out looking embarrassed.

Linda learned that nothing came for free and it was a lesson she kept with her throughout her life

*****End of flashback****

"So what did you do from there?" Ruth asked looking sad.

"Felix called my dad he picked me up I never told him or mum what transpire that day. It was all my fault", Linda said.

"And Mr. Williams?"

"He threatened to ensure I never graduated with a law degree if I ever told anyone about it and I believed him"

"Am so sorry Linda there are many girls out there going through the same. I really admire your courage to live with all that and graduate as a lawyer you are a valuable member of this team", Ruth said getting up from her Chair.

"I should be thanking your Mrs. Chestnut for starting this", Linda said stretching her arm for a handshake.

"Now let's show you your Office Mrs. Linda Stewart welcome aboard ATHEWI women group", she said leading the way out.

It was a beautiful office space. Secret donors, Friends and former colleagues had supported her and ATHEWI had begun its operations that week. Of all people Gideon offered her an office space and called in favors to get the organization registered in less than a week. Getting things done that quick depended on who you know. A tall relative was necessary. The whole ordeal had taught Ruth one vital lesson though; all that people need is someone to believe in. You give them something to believe in and they will follow you to the deepest of valleys. Hope is the engine to human life and the people who've mastered the art of using hope to their advantage usually make a difference some a bad one like lying money hungry preachers and false prophets while others like Ruth who had found a way to make a difference using hope to instigate change. The organization had close to thirty volunteer employees. Some were already working for various organizations but spend their free time helping her to run ATHEWI.

"Your office I know its small but we are just getting started", Ruth said opening a door to a well-furnished office.

It had a medium sized mahogany desk in the middle with a comfy chair. Big windows with white curtains and a custom made calendar of ATHEWI on the wall. Two big shelves with all kinds of books and magazines, a desk top computer with some files ready for use. There was also an office printer with a dustbin.

"It's beautiful Mrs. Chestnut size doesn't matters is how many lives we are going to change", Linda said looking around.

"Well said I will let you settle in we have a meeting in thirty minutes take note”, Ruth said on her way out.

"Thank you Mrs. Chestnut", Linda said happily swinging on her chair. She loved her knew office already.

"One more thing", Ruth said standing at the door that was opened ajar.

"Call me Ruth or mummy", she said smiling.

"I'll go with mummy", Linda teased nodding.

The tent was filled to the brim. The pandemic rules and regulations from the world health organization and the ministry of health were adhered to. Water and soap were provided at the entrance in addition to an alcohol based hand sanitizer dispensing machine. Key figures from around were in attendance; the local administration, head teachers and school principals, university vice chancellors and female Politicians of course were there. She realized they were also an important gate keepers and invited them. Her family was in attendance; Ben was carrying young Mary on his lap with Jake and Gideon by his side.

Dave was also there and he had invited Anita and James and of course nick too because of Tania. On the podium performing was Kyla the poet well known for her feminist songs and to balance the equation was thee poet Ted a male artiste and a crime free city activist. They were entertaining the already seated guests with their brand new collaboration that was advocating against gender based crime. Women were the highest victims with gangs as the perpetrators. Dave put his skills into serving the guests with drinks. The entertainers welcomed Ruth to the podium. There was a loud applause as she walked from the crowd to get her mouth piece she waved to the audience with one hand resting on the lectern. It took five minutes for the applause to subside. And she waited. It was amazing how so many people could gather in one place for change. It was and will always be a certainty of life, the other one is death.

"Thank you... Thank you very much", she repeated of capturing the attention of the audience.

"First I would love to thank each and every one of you for spearing your precious time to be with us here today”, she said. There were claps and applauses.

"We've come here to make history. To start a movement that will ensure our daughters and sons live together in harmony. That they are free to enjoy all the good that our government can offer", she paused to survey the crowd.

They were all listening keenly. Men and women. Children too. Mary couldn't stop reminding everyone it was her mum speaking. Even the members of the assembly who were fond of eroding in the comfy parliament chairs were wide awake. Ruth's voice pierced through their ears or perhaps the seats were not comfy enough. It was the best they could afford. Besides it was also a donation from her female friend who had a catering company.

"I just want you to know that I will do all I can to ensure that this organization meets its objective", there was an applause.

"But I can't do it alone. Let's all come together to support this initiative. Our main objective is to sensitize all of us about gender issues, to identify gender malpractices and help the victims recover through counseling and education. I have gathered an elite team of experts. I beg all of you to stand so that these people can see you", She said.

The whole team of around thirty ladies and gentlemen including Tina, Linda, Dave and Tania stood up. The crowd applauded. There were also ululations and screams. Claps and the hired Disc jockey blended the joy with a sound effect. The whole event was being aired on a local private radio mad TV station whose owner was a friend of Ben's.

"Take your seats", she said, “Thank you to all our donors. I personally assure that your hard earned money will be accounted for and will make a change. May God bless all of you. Now with your permission I would love to welcome our social media expert. You know how social media can be a tool to foster change nowadays. Welcome Dave", Ruth said taking off her mouth piece.

She was escorted with another round of applause.