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Former First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta delivered an inspiring account of her journey to becoming a transformative leader at the Global First Ladies Academy Programme in New York, USA. The VIP dinner event, organized by the Global First Ladies Alliance in collaboration with Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, provided a conducive 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.
NEW YORK, July 15, 2024: Former First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta delivered an inspiring account of her journey to becoming a transformative leader at the Global First Ladies Academy Programme in New York, USA. The VIP dinner event, organized by the Global First Ladies Alliance in collaboration with Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, provided a conducive 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.
Deeply disturbed by the high rates of maternal and child deaths in Kenya, Mrs. Kenyatta felt a profound calling to advocate for mothers and children. This personal commitment was solidified in her founding of the Beyond Zero Initiative, which became a beacon of hope under her guidance, 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 led her to participate in the renowned London Marathon, 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 kilometers of it! I hoped to elevate the visibility of this important issue in the international arena and raise funds to support my cause,” she explained.
She emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership in achieving lasting change, acknowledging 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 emphasized.
The journey with Beyond Zero stands as a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership and the enduring impact of committed advocacy.