Former First Lady Mama Margaret Kenyatta on Monday delivered an inspiring account of her journey to becoming a transformative leader.
She spoke at the Global First Ladies Academy Programme in New York, USA.
The VIP dinner event was organised by the Global First Ladies Alliance in collaboration with Columbia Mailman School of Public Health.
![Margaret Kenyatta speaks at Global First Ladies Academy Programme](https://i0.wp.com/kenyatoday.news/wp-content/uploads/unnamed-35.jpg?resize=640%2C428&ssl=1)
The programme provided space for both current and former First Ladies to establish stronger connections and engage with critical partners dedicated to promoting health and development in their respective countries.
Mama Margaret said she was deeply disturbed by the high rates of maternal and child deaths in Kenya.
She added that she felt a profound calling to advocate for mothers and children.
The commitment was solidified in her founding of the BeyondZeroKenya initiative.
![Margaret Kenyatta speaks at Global First Ladies Academy Programme](https://i0.wp.com/kenyatoday.news/wp-content/uploads/unnamed-36.jpg?resize=640%2C428&ssl=1)
The initiative, she said became a beacon of hope demonstrating how a singular, well-executed idea can have far-reaching implications.
The former First Lady’s efforts included participating in marathons to raise awareness and resources for maternal and child health.
Her determination saw her participate in the renowned London Marathon.
![Margaret Kenyatta speaks at Global First Ladies Academy Programme](https://i0.wp.com/kenyatoday.news/wp-content/uploads/unnamed-37.jpg?resize=640%2C428&ssl=1)
![Margaret Kenyatta speaks at Global First Ladies Academy Programme](https://i0.wp.com/kenyatoday.news/wp-content/uploads/unnamed-38.jpg?resize=640%2C428&ssl=1)
![Margaret Kenyatta speaks at Global First Ladies Academy Programme](https://i0.wp.com/kenyatoday.news/wp-content/uploads/unnamed-39.jpg?resize=640%2C428&ssl=1)
![Margaret Kenyatta speaks at Global First Ladies Academy Programme](https://i0.wp.com/kenyatoday.news/wp-content/uploads/unnamed-40.jpg?resize=640%2C428&ssl=1)
![Margaret Kenyatta speaks at Global First Ladies Academy Programme](https://i0.wp.com/kenyatoday.news/wp-content/uploads/unnamed-41.jpg?resize=640%2C428&ssl=1)
![Margaret Kenyatta speaks at Global First Ladies Academy Programme](https://i0.wp.com/kenyatoday.news/wp-content/uploads/unnamed-42.jpg?resize=640%2C428&ssl=1)
![Margaret Kenyatta speaks at Global First Ladies Academy Programme](https://i0.wp.com/kenyatoday.news/wp-content/uploads/unnamed-43.jpg?resize=640%2C428&ssl=1)