Deputy President William Ruto’s wife Rachel Ruto has advised young women against the rampant culture of sugar daddies, otherwise known locally as sponsors.
Speaking during the International Day of the Girl Child celebrations at Kenyatta University main campus on Thursday, Mrs Ruto reminded the girl child of her value.
“Dignified women do not sleep with every Tom, Dick and Harry.”
“As girls, you are a gift to the world,” she said, adding: “This issue of ‘sponsors’ should not be [a] part of your lives.”
She added: “You do not need to get money from a man to survive. Many of these people will only take you for granted. I pray that in Kenyatta University and other institutions of higher learning in our nation, that girls can be resilient to be able to say ‘no’ to sponsors. I encourage you to be a listener as a girl child.”
Rachel Ruto commemorated the event, whose theme was “Empowering Girls Before and After Conflict”, with the launch of the “Somesha Msichana” initiative.
“Conflicts, in particular, affect mostly girls and women and this has a negative impact on education and social economic growth. I urge continued implementation of policies that encourage women empowerment and equal opportunities,” she said.
Mama Rachel Ruto was accompanied by the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) Chairperson, Wangui Ngirichi, and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris.
Ms Ngirichi said new laws shielding young women against ‘sponsors’ should be introduced in the country.
