Elgeyo Marakwet Teacher Hosts Empowering Women's Event with Chapo Cooking Competition

Award-winning teacher Shokwei Barsulai, also known by her moniker “Don’t Touch,” hosted a well-attended event called “Chapo Fest” that aimed to empower women through a focus on women’s rights, networking, and business development.

“Chapo Fest wasn’t just about competition,” Barsulai explained. “It was about creating a space where women could come together, have fun, connect with each other, and network. We also had important discussions about women’s rights and children’s rights, and how we can support each other in these areas.”

The event’s centerpiece was a unique chapatti cooking competition, attracting over 600 women with eight representatives from different villages vying for the top prize. Entrants were required to be women working in the chapatti business, either as vendors or in the hotel industry, showcasing their skills and signature recipes.

“The chapatti competition was a fantastic way to celebrate the talents of these women entrepreneurs,” Barsulai said. “Every participant went home with something to help them boost their business, and they all received recognition for their hard work and culinary expertise.”

But the focus wasn’t just on the winners. All attendees at Chapo Fest received gifts, highlighting the event’s mission to empower and support women in the community.

Barsulai expressed her sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the event’s success. “I want to thank all the amazing women who competed and attended Chapo Fest,” she said. “Your participation and enthusiasm made this event truly special. I also want to recognize the invaluable support of the organizers and volunteers who helped make everything run smoothly. And lastly, a huge thank you to the Tirops Angles Foundation for their generous sponsorship, which allowed us to host this empowering event.”

Chapo Fest serves as a shining example of how local initiatives can make a significant impact. By providing a platform for women to connect, share knowledge, and gain resources, the event has the potential to create lasting positive change for women entrepreneurs and their communities in Elgeyo Marakwet County.