Cindy McCain is on a mission to bring awareness to the horrific violence and poverty affecting women in Kenya. Here, in her own words, she talks about what she witnessed on her latest trip to the region.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW—Meghan McCain: My Mom’s Africa Crusade
I was honored to visit Dadaab, Kenya, with Dikembe Mutombo. He has spent a lot of time on using his own name and resources making Congo a better place. I appreciate him using his role as an NBA goodwill ambassador to bring attention to the ongoing crisis in Dadaab.
Dikembe and I listen to one of the extraordinary local heroes, an aid worker, ensuring that food distribution runs smoothly for those in need. We met numerous Kenyan and Somali aid workers just like him.
Even after their long journey to safety, once the refugees arrive in Dadaab, there is a lot of struggle and work needed to survive. Here we see the women and their families trying to get their food rations back to their shelters. Many women have to bear the burden of this struggle alone.
Meghan Latcovich
Unfortunately, heartbreaking images like this one of a starving young boy are all too common in daily life in Daadab. It’s moments like this that make me more determined to continue to bring much-needed attention to this crisis.
Meghan Latcovich
I was able to sit down with an amazing group of women refugees while they waited to be assigned shelters in Dadaab. The stories they shared with me broke my heart. It took one of the women 26 days to walk to the camp. Some of these women had to leave some of their children along the way on their journey for food and safety.
Meghan Latcovich
I am always awestruck by the sheer size and ability of USAID and the United Nations World Food Program to help those in need. These boxes, which once held much-needed food and supplies, will now be used to fortify shelters in Dadaab.
Meghan Latcovich
Nothing goes to waste in Dadaab. These were once cooking-oil cans, and they are now used to fortify shelters.
I admire the sheer will and determination as I watch strong women and girls come back from collecting firewood in Dadaab. Sadly, these daily treks to and from the home are long and dangerous, leaving them vulnerable to sexual assault.
A scene like many in Dadaab, with children doing their part to help their families survive. While they still find time to laugh and play, they have to grow up way too fast.
Meghan Latcovich
Who wouldn’t want to ensure that this happy young boy has a chance at a great future?
Meghan Latcovich
I took this from the plane as we left Dadaab. This picture doesn’t even cover the entire camp. By December, there will be more than 500,000 refugees in the camp. To me, this picture really sums up the enormity of this crisis.
Meghan Latcovich
