Nadia Ahmed Abdalla’s appointment last year as Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs came as a surprise to many. – By Sharon Maina.
Nadia, a Public Relations and Communication graduate, has defended herself from being called a slay queen saying she is smart and has always been fighting stereotypes against Muslim women.
“Many claim I am a Slay Queen and not Well-Versed! Then I walk into a boardroom, speak and they realize I am an Empowered Kenyan Muslim Woman Professional! Moral of the story, Stop Critisizing Kenyan Women Professionals #GenerationEquality Don’t Be Bitter Do Better Red heart,” she tweeted.
Her appointment came in the wake of a public outcry in which President Uhuru Kenyatta was accused of favoring older leaders when making government appointments at the expense of the youth.
In an interview with the Daily Nation, she said she got the appointment by fighting cultural and societal stigma faced by Muslim women. Nadia, a businesswoman, a fashion buff, mental health advocate and a published author says she broke into tears after receiving news of her appointment.
“People do not get it, a young coast-based girl who no one has read about before has been appointed as the CAS in the ministry of ICT and youth affairs,” she exclaimed.
