Re-storying narratives evolved into a shared vision

I want to talk to you about the symbols the women chose for their images of peace. The majority of Kenyans are very patriotic and the images the women chose to paint and embroider reflected this patriotism - symbols that focused on the unity of Kenyans - going beyond tribal difference. As one woman said this election must stand for "one Community, one Nation, one Kenya".

A couple of images focused on home and broken hearts but for the majority, as you can see in the photograph, the predominant image was the Kenyan flag as it's symbolism is important to the notion of peace: Green reflecting the abundant fertile soil; red reflecting the blood shed in the fight for independence; black representative of the colour of the people; white is a symbol of peace and unity.

When the women worked together on the final section of the work on paper - their Hopes and Dreams for the future - there was much discussion about their desire for a stronger infrastructure than currently exists within their community. They drew many hospitals, toilets, schools, transportation such as railways and roads, but they also drew flowers that they said represented new beginnings and unity - very important concepts to them all. The images and words they chose reflected a shared vision of a community that is united and peaceful.

By reflecting on their past and on how their communities were before the violence, they were able to bring forward their experiences and reflect on how those experiences have informed their desire for peace and their strong advocacy. Each narrative, rather than ending with discussions around their victimization, vehemently reflected their understanding of themselves as triumphant and their desire that, as women, they could make a difference in their communities - teaching their sons about peace , and standing strong together in the upcoming election.