Lillian Muchiri’s journey from a small village in Kenya to becoming a clinical nurse with the Sunshine Coast Health Service and publishing her book, “Looking Back to Move Forward,” is an inspiring story of determination and resilience.

Lillian’s book is a memoir that delves into her upbringing in a polygamous family in Kenya and the challenges she faced, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and witnessing women being treated as objects. 

Her story is a testament to the human spirit’s strength and ability to overcome challenges.

After moving to Australia, Lillian studied at CQU and graduated with a Master’s in Nursing from UQ. 

“My book seeks to encourage everyone who is going through a tough time to not give up, urging our young people to take opportunities to utilise every chance to make a life for themselves and to not take things for granted, referencing my upbringing,” said Lillian, who now lives at Kureelpa.

“Due to the hardships, I faced such as FGM, and watching women being treated as objects, I swore to my mother that I would take a cause to challenge these traditions and give hope for girls, women and children in my village.

“I have since bought a two-acre piece of land where I plan to build a women’s and children’s shelter to give them safety and a voice until they are ready to move out.”

While Lillian has faced difficulties in raising the necessary funds to build the shelter, she remains determined to achieve her goal.

“This is very close to my heart and although my hope was to build it quicker I have had difficulties with finances. 

“I’m putting the call out for any donors or people genuinely curious about how to support this cause because it would help so many girls and women in my village.”

• If you are interested in supporting Muchiri’s cause, please reach out to her directly via lillianmuchiri@yahoo.co.uk.