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Mama Margaret said she was deeply disturbed by the high rates of maternal and child deaths in Kenya.
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She added that she felt a profound calling to advocate for mothers and children.
Former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta on Monday narrated her journey to becoming a transformative leader at the Global First Ladies Academy Programme in New York, USA.
The VIP dinner event was organised by the Global First Ladies Alliance in collaboration with the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health.
The programme provided space for both current and former First Ladies to establish stronger connections and engage with critical partners dedicated to promoting health and development in their respective countries.
Mama Margaret said she was deeply disturbed by the high rates of maternal and child deaths in Kenya.
She added that she felt a profound calling to advocate for mothers and children.
The commitment was solidified in her founding of the BeyondZeroKenya Initiative.
The initiative, she said became a beacon of hope demonstrating how a singular, well-executed idea can have far-reaching implications.
The former First Lady's efforts included participating in marathons to raise awareness and resources for maternal and child health.
Her determination saw her participate in the renowned London Marathon.
The London Marathon is an event that significantly increased the visibility of maternal health issues on an international stage.
"I committed to run the famous London Marathon—all 42 kilometres of it! I hoped to elevate the visibility of this important issue in the international arena and raise funds to support my cause," she said.
She emphasised the importance of collaboration and partnership in achieving lasting change.
Mama Margaret acknowledged the various partners and collective efforts that fueled the Beyond Zero movement.
"Leveraging my multiple roles as First Lady was made possible because of the ripple effect of the solid partnerships and friends we made along the way. It demonstrated how collective efforts towards a shared destiny can bring transformative change," she said.
According to her, the journey with Beyond Zero stands as a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership and the enduring impact of committed advocacy.