By Maria Marenga

The Spoken Arts and Debate Society (SADS) recently hosted the 4th edition of the Mbokodo Opens Tournament on November 16-17. This year's tournament, themed ‘Intersectionality in Feminism,’ aimed to uplift and platform women's voices while fostering a deeper understanding of the unique issues that affect them.

The Mbokodo Opens Tournament followed the British Parliamentary debate format, featuring both novice and open categories. This structure allowed participants to engage in rigorous intellectual discourse, honing their debating skills while addressing critical social issues. In addition, each team had to include at least one woman, in line with the spirit of the tournament.

The tournament's name, Mbokodo, which translates to "stone" in isiZulu, symbolizes strength, particularly that of women, and serves as a platform for advocating women's rights and perspectives. This tournament serves as a vital platform for discussing and addressing the complexities of women's experiences across various identities. By focusing on intersectionality, the event highlighted how factors such as race, class, and sexuality intertwine to shape women's lives and struggles.

SADS represented the university and made remarkable achievements during this year's tournament. A team comprising of Wanjru Karugu and Joshua Wambugu emerged as the overall winners, showcasing exceptional debate skills and teamwork. Angel Mala was also recognized as the 3rd best speaker overall, making it to the semi-finals and demonstrating her prowess in articulating complex ideas effectively. Moreover, several other participants also performed admirably, contributing to a strong showing for the university at this prestigious event.

The tournament featured experienced judges- a number of which were from SADS- who skillfully adjudicated high-level debates, ensuring that all rounds were conducted with professionalism and rigour. Their expertise was crucial in maintaining the quality of discussions surrounding intersectionality and feminism.

The Mbokodo Opens Tournament is more than just a competitive event; it is a commitment to advocacy for women's rights. By engaging participants in debates around intersectionality, SADS encourages critical thinking about how societal structures impact women differently based on their diverse backgrounds. This initiative aligns with broader feminist movements that seek to dismantle systemic oppression and promote inclusivity.

As SADS continues to champion women's voices through events like the Mbokodo Opens Tournament, it reinforces the importance of dialogue and understanding in addressing the multifaceted challenges women face today. The success of this year's tournament stands as a testament to the dedication of both participants and organizers in fostering an environment where women's voices can be heard and valued.

In conclusion, the 4th edition of the Mbokodo Opens Tournament not only celebrated achievements in debate but also served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender equality. By focusing on intersectionality within feminism, and events like this paving the way for a more inclusive future where all women's experiences are acknowledged and respected.