Our hearts still ache as we remember Elizabeth Ibrahim Ekaru, our beloved sister in the fight for women's rights, whose life was brutally cut short in January 2022. Her warm smile and fierce determination touched all who knew her in Isiolo, and Isiolo Gender Watch where she partnered and worked tirelessly as a champion against FGM and women's rights violations. That fateful day when Patrick Naweet took her life during what should have been a simple land dispute discussion left a wound in our community that may never fully heal. Elizabeth's voice, once so strong in defending the vulnerable, was silenced forever - but her spirit lives on in every woman and girl she fought to protect.

Our hearts still ache as we remember Elizabeth Ibrahim Ekaru, our beloved sister in the fight for women's rights, whose life was brutally cut short in January 2022. Her warm smile and fierce determination touched all who knew her at Isiolo Gender Watch, where she worked tirelessly as a champion against FGM and women's rights violations. That fateful day when Patrick Naweet took her life during what should have been a simple land dispute discussion left a wound in our community that may never fully heal. Elizabeth's voice, once so strong in defending the vulnerable, was silenced forever - but her spirit lives on in every woman and girl she fought to protect.

Through tears and unwavering resolve, Elizabeth's family and friends at Isiolo Gender Watch refused to let her death be in vain. Her empty chair at community meetings kept on reminding us daily of her sacrifices, while her unfinished work continued to fuel our determination. This was a woman who earned the Head of State Commendation in 2005, who fearlessly stood up against FGM when others stayed silent, who gave hope to countless survivors. Her five children, already having lost their father, now faced a world without their mother's loving embrace. Yet in our darkest moments, we held onto Elizabeth's teaching that justice, though slow, would prevail.

For three long years, we filled the courtroom benches at every hearing, carrying Elizabeth's memory in our hearts.

Last month, our prayers were finally answered when Justice Edward Muriithi delivered his verdict, sentencing Patrick Naweet to 30 years in prison. Our tears flowed freely - tears of relief, of vindication, of bittersweet triumph. For nearly three years, we had filled the courtroom benches at every hearing, carrying Elizabeth's memory in our hearts. Each day of those years, we had whispered prayers for justice, not just for Elizabeth, but for every woman human rights defender who risks her life standing up for what is right. The October verdict felt like Elizabeth's final victory, her way of showing us that the fight must go on.When Justice Edward Muriithi finally delivered his verdict on October 24, 2024, sentencing Patrick Naweet to 30 years in prison, our tears flowed freely - tears of relief, of vindication, of bittersweet triumph. Each day of those three years, we had whispered prayers for justice, not just for Elizabeth, but for every woman human rights defender who risks her life standing up for what is right. The verdict felt like Elizabeth's final victory, her way of showing us that the fight must go on.

Grace Lolim's voice broke with emotion as she spoke for Isiolo Gender Watch: "This is not just a legal victory; it sets a new precedent for how cases involving violence against women should be handled in Kenya." As we commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, Elizabeth's case reminds us why we must never give up. We can almost hear her gentle laughter urging us forward, see her determined smile in every small victory.

Dear Elizabeth, our sister, our friend, our warrior - your legacy lives on in every life you touched, in every battle we continue to fight in your name. We will never stop until every woman and girl can live without fear, just as you always dreamed.

#OrangeTheWorld #16Days #EndViolence

For more details on this landmark ruling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=5Nh2MWPgJrw&pp=ygUQa2JjIHR2IGNoYW5uZWwgMQ%3D%3D

Details of the case here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wRlF1mlGXZD6AbNn0lObpt8Xb6r-J6fw/view?usp=sharing