Imagine, if you will, a spark in the darkness, not just any spark, but one that ignites a blaze so bright it dazzles the world. That’s Muskan Hobaya  for you, a third year international studies student. She is a living testament to the sheer force of will, a beacon on this International Women’s month that compels us to glance away from our daily grinds and truly appreciate the fiery spirits among us.

Muskan’s journey is a masterclass in personal transformation. While her infectious energy and outgoing personality now light up every room she enters, she candidly admits that this wasn’t always the case.

And oh, what a voyage it’s been!

Muskan began her  journey with a quiet demeanor, but through her participation in clubs at Strathmore University, such as AIESEC and Kenya Model United Nations (KMUN), and her service as a Senator  in the Vice-Presidential senate, she discovered her outgoing personality. “I wasn’t always like this,” she admits, “but these experiences helped me gain the skills and confidence to step out of my comfort zone.

At the heart of her journey is the unwavering figure of her mother, whose leadership in the home has defined the strength of a woman for her. “Seeing my mother’s resilience and determination has taught me what true leadership looks like,” Muskan shares. “It’s not about titles or positions, but about the impact you make in the lives of those around you.”

The quest for identity is a perpetual one for Muskan. However, unlike many, she approaches this quest with the zeal of a learner – constantly engaging, evolving, and embracing new experiences.

You might wonder, what’s the secret sauce? Muskan will tell you it’s about never underestimating the strength of one’s voice. She has stood at podiums, walked the corridors of local schools, and sat in circles with community leaders, each time with a simple message: “Empowerment begins when silence ends.”

Through her involvement with AIESEC, a club aimed at cross-cultural exchange through abroad internship opportunities, Muskan has had the chance to explore her identity further. As the Vice President of AIESEC, she helped the club emerge to the top in the Nairobi region. She has since gone on to serve as the Education Manager for AIESEC in Kenya. 

“Empowering others is so important,” she emphasizes. “We all have the potential to make a difference, and it’s our responsibility to help others find their rightful place in the world.” This belief has led Muskan to undertake her service-based learning at Visa Oshwal School, where she works to impact young minds and inspire them to pursue their dreams.

“There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping someone find their place in the world,” she says, her tone imbued with hope and resolve.

Muskan also draws inspiration from the female figures at Strathmore who are going beyond the ordinary, such as Dr. Wanjiku Kaniaru and Dr. Sandra Mututi.  “Seeing women in leadership positions excelling in their fields and making a difference is incredibly motivating. It reminds me that there are no limits to what we can achieve as women. Their journeys remind me that to go beyond the ordinary, one must dare to dream and then do,” she notes, a spark of determination in her eyes.

Now, Muskan sets her sights on participating in this year’s ideas festival, ready to bring her unique spark to new venues.

Feel the warmth yet? Yeah, Happy International Women’s Month. Let’s make it count, today and every day!

Article written by: Keith Albert