AFRICAN NIGHTINGALE

Anna Qabale Duba, the Kenyan nurse who broke gender and traditional norms for the cause of women, speaks to TNIE about her life and achievements

- MAHIMA ANNA JACOB

ANNA Qabale Duba was born in a pastoralist community in a small village in Kenya called Torbi inside Marsabit County, the second largest county in the country. And for every small to large achievement in her life, she always had to go the extra mile.

She was subjected to 'the cut' - female genital mutilation at 12 years and narrowly escaped forced marriage at the age of 14. Anna's life was nothing short of a fight for survival. Finally, battling against many odds, Anna became the first graduate from her village and the only educated girl in her family.

"I am from a polygamous family. I have three mothers and 19 siblings. And I am the only girl in the family who has passed primary school," she says. She never put a stop to her ambitions and completed Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kenya Methodist University and Master of Science in Field Epidemiology from Moi University.

The Kenyan nurse was in Kochi recently after winning the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, carrying a cash prize of $250,000. Anna is now busy inspiring others from her country. She has started a community dation Qabale Duba Founthat champions the right of girls and women in Northern Kenya, especially in the field of education. Started in 2014, the foundation donates sanitary pads and also teaches parents about key sexual and reproductive health issues.

"The award is a stepping stone for my foundation and the activities on the plan, in terms of education, healthcare, and giving a wider perspective altogether," says Anna.