Empowered woman and Chairperson of the Youth Advisory Board, Sophy Nekoye Waliaula, is calling on women and society at large to abandon the age-old adage, “a woman is an enemy to a fellow woman,” urging unity, support, and empowerment among women to build a stronger society.
Speaking on West FM’s Usemi wa Kina Mama program, Ms. Nekoye emphasized that women are intelligent, capable, and when united can surpass societal expectations.
Born in Maeni Ward, Kimilili Sub-county, Sophy’s story is one of determination and resilience. She attributes her success to hard work, discipline, and setting clear life goals. Her leadership skills began to blossom at a young age, driven by a passion for excellence and a natural sense of order.
Sophy’s educational journey saw her attend Lugulu Boarding primary School, then Crane Academy, where she sat for her KCPE. She later joined St. Monica’s Girls High School in Kitale. A student strike led to her expulsion despite her role as a prefect, after which she transferred to Chwele Girls and completed her KCSE. She pursued her A-levels in Uganda and later enrolled at Makerere University. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD at the University of Nairobi.
As a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, Sophy urges women to actively pursue opportunities, work smart, and believe in their potential.
“Women must stop waiting for endorsements. You must believe in yourself. The moment you doubt yourself, you open the door for others to pull you down,” she explained.
She also highlighted the cultural challenges that continue to hinder women’s progress, including societal norms that prevent men from supporting their spouses or educating daughters.
“In many families, men still fear giving their wives or daughters opportunities. This must change,” she added.
Sophy encourages women and youth to take advantage of technology, particularly smartphones, to access important information that can help them in their daily lives.
“With just a smartphone, you can Google anything. Information is power, and we must use it,” she emphasized.
In her role as Chairperson of the Youth Advisory Board, Ms. Nekoye plays a critical role in providing leadership, strategic direction, and resource mobilization. She urged the youth to show up for workshops and training opportunities where they can gain life-changing knowledge.
She acknowledged the challenges many young people face, including limited exposure and lack of support from home. However, she believes that when placed in the right environment, the youth can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
Sophy also appealed to national and local leaders to show genuine goodwill toward young people, as many look up to them for guidance and inspiration.
“Youthfulness is a season that must be maximized. When leaders support young people, it fuels their desire to do more,” she said.
She commended men for increasingly embracing women’s leadership and allowing them space to participate in development and decision-making something that was rare in past generations.
Sophy urged responsible use of both traditional and social media to share helpful content and build awareness, rather than spreading negativity or misinformation.
As part of her parting message, Sophy encouraged women to join reputable chamas (women’s savings groups) that promote financial growth, mentorship, and development. She urged them to stop gossiping and focus on activities that bear fruit.
“Let us stop pulling each other down. Instead, let’s build each other up. The future is female—but only if we work for it, together,” she concluded.
