Female teachers in Trans Nzoia County have been urged to put their mental health first, invest in personal growth and support one another as they juggle classroom duties and family responsibilities.
The call was made during the fourth edition of the Happy Lady Teachers of Trans Nzoia County (MIMI) Forum at Equip Africa College in Kitale, where Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Vice Chairperson Sharon Kisire challenged educators to stop neglecting their own well-being while caring for others.
Kisire reminded the teachers that behind their dedication to shaping young minds are women who also face personal struggles and need emotional, spiritual and social support.
“While pursuing your teaching goals, remember to invest in personal growth, protect your mental health, strengthen your spiritual foundation and support one another through life’s challenges,” she said.
She urged the educators to build strong support networks to help them navigate the pressures of their profession and personal lives.
Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Phanice Khatundi, who represented Governor George Natembeya, praised female teachers for their contribution to education and society, but warned against overlooking the challenges they face beyond the classroom.
Khatundi commended MIMI for providing a platform where teachers can share experiences, build professional networks and find encouragement in their personal and career journeys.
“Teachers play a critical role in shaping the future of our children and society. However, beyond their professional responsibilities, they are human beings who also face personal and professional challenges,” she said.
She encouraged more female teachers to join the network, saying unity and mutual support were essential in strengthening the teaching fraternity.
MIMI chairlady Patricia Melisa said the forum was designed to empower women educators through knowledge-sharing, professional development and personal growth.
Melisa said the organisation invites resource persons to address issues affecting teachers, including mental wellness, financial literacy and matters relating to the Teachers Service Commission.
“Let’s seize career progression opportunities and rise to higher job groups, including chief principal, without necessarily becoming school heads, provided we meet the promotion criteria,” said Melisa.
She stressed that career advancement should go hand in hand with financial stability, self-care and family well-being.
But the forum took an emotional turn when teacher Elizabeth Kisiang’ani shared her painful battle with cancer, revealing the difficulties of enduring pain and seeking treatment while holding on to hope.
Despite the ordeal, Kisiang’ani said her faith in God and determination to remain present for her two children had kept her going through difficult times.
“I have always put my faith in God since it’s been tough, but I have soldiered on for my sake and the sake of my two kids who need me by my side,” she said.
Her moving testimony brought home the importance of compassion, resilience and standing together during life’s toughest moments.
Kisiang’ani said her experience had taught her valuable lessons that she hoped would encourage others facing similar challenges.
The forum, themed around empowerment, inspiration, thriving and connection, reinforced the need to recognise female teachers not only as educators but also as individuals whose mental health, personal ambitions and family lives deserve attention.
