“Good girls don’t get the corner office!”

This phrase has been buzzing among young ladies ever since a video of Millie Odhiambo addressing the Kenyan Parliament went viral. Her bold words struck a chord, and now Millie’s videos are all over social media. So, let’s dive in and find out who the “Bad Gal Millie” (as she proudly claims) really is!

Millie Grace Akoth Odhiambo Mabona is a well-known figure in Kenyan politics, known for her resilience and advocacy for the female gender. She was born on November 1, 1966, in Homa Bay, Kenya. Despite facing tragedy at a young age when she lost her father in a boating accident in 1973, Millie was determined to make a difference. She attended Homa Bay Primary School, St. Francis Girls Secondary School, and Limuru Girls High School before earning her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi.

Her career began in the attorney general’s office, where she practiced civil litigation. Her passion for human rights, particularly those of women and children, led her to focus on this area. In 1999, she became the chairperson of the Coalition on Violence Against Women and later founded the CRADLE Children’s Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving children’s rights within the legal system.

Millie Odhiambo has been an active figure in Kenyan politics for several years. She started as a nominated Member of Parliament in 2008 and was later elected as the Mbita MP in 2013, representing the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), one of Kenya’s major political parties. She has actively participated in various parliamentary committees and is a strong advocate for women’s rights, youth empowerment, and social justice.

She is also a vocal champion for women’s rights and gender equality, working to push for legislative reforms to combat gender-based violence and discrimination. She has also taken a stand against corruption, advocating for transparency and accountability in governance.

Beyond her professional achievements, Millie’s personal life also demonstrates her strength and determination. Having married Magugu Mabona from Zimbabwe in 2006, she became a stepmother to his daughter, Lebo. Milliehas also been open about her struggles with uterine fibroids, which have caused her significant pain and made it difficult for her to have children. Her honesty about these personal battles and her stand against gender inequality has made her relatable and inspiring to many.

Millie Odhiambo’s story is one of hard work and dedication, showing that even in the face of tough challenges, one can still make a significant difference. She remains a symbol of hope and a role model, proving that with determination and passion, anything is possible.

SOURCES

https://www.tuko.co.ke/tags/mbita-mp-millie-odhiambo

https://www.un.org/africarenewal/news/rewriting-kenya%E2%80%99s-laws-millie-odhiambo

https://africa.unwomen.org/en/news-and-events/stories/2021/03/what-leadership-looks-like-millie-odhiambo