The Women Students Welfare Association (WOSWA) President Esther Gitaranga welcomed female freshers in a colourful ceremony at the University of Nairobi Maina campus.
Speaking during the event, WOSWA President Gitaranga Esther asked students to leverage the opportunity at hand to grow professionally and build relevant networks.
"I assure you that you have joined the best campus. Here, you don't just find your major, you also find yourself. Make the most out of it. Adventure all the fields and make meaningful networks. Forge friendships that have purpose because your friends today, are your networks tomorrow," Gitaranga said.
Woswa Patron Ann Aaseey on her part asked students to shun bad company and maintain good discipline.
"Avoid a bad company that will influence you into unwarranted behaviour. Also, make the most of the opportunities WOSWA has created like the free Chinese classes at the Confucius Institute," she said.
"Lastly, due to the large number of gents in attendance, we might consider changing our name to WOMESWA to accommodate our male students."
Technical University of Mombasa Student leader EI General Ken on his part said:
"Educate a woman, empower a woman! Empower a woman to empower the next generation. Empower women to bring developmental revolution. Women need society, never spoil them! WOSWA is exactly the platform to achieve this."
WOSWA is a premier female student body founded by female students at the University of Nairobi in the year 1986.
It was formed upon the realization that female students were being sidelined in the field of student leadership, representation and advocacy.
These predisposed students to various issues without a proper structure or reliable mechanism to seek redress.
Such issues include, but are not limited to; sexual and reproductive health rights violations by fellow students, the teaching faculty, and administrative staff, insecurity in and around campus premises, and mental health and wellness concerns amongst others.
WOSWA was established to amplify the voices of female students and help provide a conducive environment for studies, mentorship and all-rounded growth.
WOSWA's main object is to Feminize political spaces and advocacy channels.
It also provides a platform for mentorship and avenues for networking while seeking to hone the leadership acumen and entrepreneurial skills of female students and Address any emergent issues that would touch on the overall affairs of students on campus.
WOSWA prides to have producing women of substance who are doing incredibly well today.
Angel Mbuthia, a member, is a board member National Youth Council, and Marylein Atieno, also a member, is the current International Advisor Global Youth Development and Empowerment Council.
Esther Irungu, another member, is the youngest member of the county assembly of Kiambu County and vice chair education committee of Kiambu County.
Others like Angela Mwangangi is the current youth president of Busia and CEO of AM Tours and Travels while Irene Kendi is the youth adviser Ministry of Public Service, youth and gender affairs and so many more.
Miss Gitaranga in her address thanked former leaders present for holding her hand and promised to ensure continuity through mentorship and guidance.
WOSWA currently exists in 6 universities across the country including the University of Nairobi, Moi University, Kenyatta University, Alupe University College, Zetech University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST).
The association intends to have a new branch at the Technical University of Mombasa.
WOSWA's president seeks to expand its presence across all institutions of higher learning in Kenya.
Among notable guests who addressed the event were Johnson Ireri Kinyua, Office of the Dean of Students through, co-operate affairs, John Orindi, WOSWA patron, Dr Ann Aasey, Miss President Angel Mbuthia.
Miss Gitaranga also took time to appreciate other student leaders who graced the occasion, Anthony Manyara, KUSO president, Monica Malith, president of UoN, Chibeka Matara, first female governor of main campus and General Ken a student leader of TUM.