This archive report was first published on 13 August 2019.
Women-Only Party Sparks Mixed Reactions in Nairobi ¶
On June 30, 2019, The Nest Collective, an arts group, organized a women-only party called 'Strictly Silk' in Nairobi. The event aimed to provide a safe space for women to enjoy themselves without the presence of men.
The party was a huge success, with many attendees expressing their gratitude and appreciation for the organizers. The Nest Collective posted on their Facebook page, 'We're so incredibly grateful to everyone who came through for Strictly Silk and all the amazing ways you contributed to it being such a brilliant night! Our second edition was a rousing success!'
Reactions to the party varied, with some people praising the event for promoting safety and others criticizing it for segregating men and women. One Twitter user, @maumauzdaughter, wrote, 'Since I became aware of myself as a person I have never been in a space where I felt completely safe until yesterday when I went for #StrictlySilk. I felt so safe that I eventually felt anxious at how safe I was. So you mean to tell me men walk around feeling like that every day?'
Another Twitter user, @Merves_J, praised the event, saying, 'I like this thing. This shows and tells us (men) that we shouldn’t think that every lady we see into night clubs is for after men, some are there for their enjoyment. Good step.'
However, not everyone was supportive of the event. Some people criticized it for segregating men and women, with one Twitter user, @gwakipangajr2, writing, 'Serikali kama sio waumini wa jinsia moja basi hii club waimulike, kisije kikazaliwa kizazi cha ovyo.'
The event has sparked a wider conversation about safety and segregation in social settings. While some people see the event as a positive step towards promoting safety, others view it as a form of segregation.
