Another side of feminism--perspectives from Cartoonists/Une autre face du feminisme--perspectives des auteurs de bandes dessinees.

• Author: Wanjugu, Magdalene

During the Nairobi +21 Conference held in October 2006 at the Kenya International Conference Center (KICC) grounds, FEMNET in partnership with the Association of East African Cartoonists (KATUNI) featured a cartoonist's exhibition and competition with the aim of promoting and appreciating cartoons as effective communication tools for raising awareness and generating debate on gender issues. The competition, which brought together young participants both male and female, provided a unique space for cartoonists to showcase their talents and works of art.

Among the six Kenyan cartoonists who submitted their work, Ms. Celestine Wamiru was the only female cartoonist taking part in the cartoon exhibition. It was both refreshing and challenging to have a female in a field that was predominantly male. She surprised many with her well articulated cartoon of a woman campaigning for the education of the girl child. Although she did not get the top prize, FEMNET's Executive Director Maty Diaw applauded her work and encouraged her to keep on lobbying for women's rights through the cartoons.

In a face-to-face interview with Celestine, FEMNET sought to find out more about her work and what inspires her. Born 25 years ago in Western Kenya, Celestine realized at an early age that she had a passion for art. After high school she joined the University of Nairobi where she graduated in 2004 with a degree in design and illustrations. For the last five years, she has been working as a professional designer and has worked on different illustrations for various book companies, organizations and civil societies.

According to Celestine, to be where she is today has not been smooth sailing especially since she has to overcome the odds and challenges facing most women who work in male dominated professions. "I sometimes face stereotyping and discrimination whereby people think that you don't have the potential to do a good job as the men" she explains. However she has managed to work her way up and has successfully obtained her own clientele. Asked how she has dealt with the challenges, "you keep your head above the water and keep going and in the end they will come to respect you and see your worth" she says. She however acknowledged that she receives a lot of support from other KATUNI members who are renowned cartoonists.

Most of Celestine's work is centred on environmental and social issues since in her opinion these are issues greatly associated with women. She...