Kanita Benson’s mission is to save our girls. As the Founder and President of She Saves A Nation, Kanita has turned her passion into a movement. She Saves A Nation is a global nonprofit that transforms the lives of refugee, internally displaced and marginalized girls across Kenya, Uganda and Thailand. Her tools of empowerment will encourage them to thrive and become driving forces for good in their communities and the world. Come, let’s meet Kanita.
FWM: Kanita, it is such a great honor to interview you! Please introduce yourself to our readers.
KB: “Minds on the margin are not marginal minds.” – Anil Gupta
On Mission. Two words that encapsulate the fullest expression or the essence of my life. I’m a woman who is both grateful and intentional about the fulfillment of calling; with an unrelenting commission to serve the margins. Every gift and skillset I’ve been afforded, is poured out into regions and villages among nations that are filled with forgotten people. My personal and spiritual ethos is to live a life, not just on purpose, but “On Mission”.
I’m a Christian artist and worship leader, releasing my debut EP, “Surrender”, June 2019…with the latest single “Speak” currently in rotation on domestic & international digital gospel radio markets.
I’m the Founder & President of She Saves a Nation, a global advocacy & cross-cultural evangelistic initiative serving internally displaced girl survivors of tribal war. Our vision at She Saves a Nation is to impact unreached, marginalized & refugee girls through discipleship and leadership development. She Saves a Nation currently serves the nations of Kenya, Uganda and Thailand reaching girls living in abject poverty and fleeing conflict, war & genocide.
I have an undaunted passion for the world’s broken, the nations, global advocacy for women and girls, and sound biblical theology in a rapidly shifting post-Christian (modern) culture.
Verses I Live By:
Acts 20:24
“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”
FWM: Please tell us about She Saves A Nation.
KB: She Saves a Nation is a global nonprofit organization that exists to empower refugee, internally displaced and marginalized girls in Kenya, Uganda and Thailand to become leaders, who will change their nation and the world.
We empower the God-given voice given to the girl-child, redefining her story and releasing her to be a taker of destiny. This mission is achieved through educational empowerment, leadership development, health and hygiene education, trauma healing and mentorship.
She Saves A Nation desires to see every woman and girl transforming the world through bold leadership, after she discovers, harnesses and unleashes her unique power, potential and purpose.
We serve girls in Kenya, Uganda and Thailand with the vision to strategically expand to India by 2025. In each of these nations, displaced girls seek refuge, education and safety, where opportunities for women are scarce and conflict/poverty are prevalent.
FWM: How was She Saves a Nation birthed?
KB: She Saves a Nation was birthed out of short-term missions’ trip, following the displacement of over 200,000 Kenyans, resulting from the eruption of politically fueled tribal clashes that occurred in 2007 and 2008. Many fled to a region in central Kenya in Laikipia County, where our team had the opportunity to serve, extend love, compassion and offer hope. What compelled me, was that the plight of this refugee community was a microcosm of the national displacement crisis (many had survived family members being murdered, women being raped, homes burned, businesses and churches destroyed) and the overall global refugee crisis. Today, over 70 million across the globe are living displaced, and seeking asylum.
I encountered 120 girls who would change me forever. I discovered that each of them, at the age of puberty lacked adequate feminine, hygiene and sanitary supplies to carry them through their monthly menstrual cycles; an epidemic called “period poverty” impacting millions of girls across the globe. This critical issue adversely impacts girls’ education, making them vulnerable to sexual exploitation and susceptible to generational poverty; some missing up to 40% of the year, or worse succumbing to pregnancy or early marriage.
Following this transformational encounter, She Saves a Nation was born. I was able to launch an advocacy initiative to support our girls with feminine supplies quarterly, which included pads, soap and underwear, that in 2019 became an international NGO. She Saves a Nation began and continues as a movement built to equip marginalized, displaced and refugee girls to become the leaders of the next generation.
The name She Saves A Nation was developed from the Biblical example of Queen Esther, an orphan, and unlikely girl…who was chosen to be Queen, and eventually went on to save a nation of people through bold, godly obedience and courage, from Esther 7:3, “Then Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O King, and if it pleases the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people form request.”
FWM: What keeps you motivated?
KB: Grace and Time.
As a disciple of Christ, everything changed when I came to the realization through one of my favorite Pastor’s and Authors, David Platt…that I am God’s plan A. There is no plan B. God reaches the world through His people. He builds His church through people. He transforms lives and alleviates suffering through people. We live out the greatness of God in the space that recognizes our undeserving humanity, fueled by a supernatural empowerment that heals a broken world. That’s grace. I value it, along with time…and hold them closely. I steward every breath I take in full commitment, focus, gratitude and dedication to seeing the kingdom of heaven coming to earth.
FWM: What inspires you to continue your efforts?
KB: The millions waiting. Across the world today, there are MILLIONS waiting on someone’s “yes”. Upon coming to Kenya for the first time in 2013, I had no idea that 7 years later, over 300 girls living in the margins would finally have access to opportunities once unavailable to them. I simply said…’yes’ and the trajectory of life as I knew it, shifted. Like our girls, there are millions of people throughout the world today who have no concept of God’s love for them, not a page of Scripture in their language, and millions living in poverty, modern day slavery, hunger and incomprehensible suffering. My burden for the margins is my assignment, and that fuels my own missional living, thinking and being…every single day.
My girls inspire me. They are the next generation. I feel an obligation to impact their lives with every tool I’ve been given, to ensure they evolve into the women they could have only dreamed of becoming.
My family inspires me. Their endless support and belief in what I’ve been called to do came from years of encouragement, constructive criticism and a continual affirming of the call they always saw I was born to fulfill.
The need to end spiritual poverty inspires me. 3,000 languages in the world today are still without a page or format of Scripture (this also includes deaf languages & people groups in remote & persecuted regions). The greatest problem in the world today isn’t guns, global warming, or corrupt leadership, it’s spiritual poverty. Humanitarian, social justice & political efforts are commendable, but know this…it’s the gospel that transforms lives. The world’s issues are symptoms. The prognosis is sin. The answer, the Savior. The written Word reveals + leads hearts to the Living Word. There’s only ONE way to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth, & it’s through the gospel message found in the pages of Scripture. All other efforts though valiant, will ultimately prove futile in light of the spiritual dam present in the hearts of millions. I see this as a God-sized challenge and an incredible kingdom opportunity we have to reach every tribe, tongue and nation with the Words of Life, for eternal life.
FWM: If you could give one piece of advice to all women, what would it be?
KB: Live with vision and for legacy. This mindset understands that we live to accomplish something greater than ourselves, that will outlive us and that isn’t not about us. That is genuine greatness.
The joy of life is found in the journey. Trust the process and the God who is the author, architect and engineer of our lives. Surrendering to that realization is the most powerful thing a woman can do.
There is a rare beauty that becomes the woman who is unhurried, undaunted, confident and content. Not one who is complacent, but one who trusts God so fiercely that she has absolutely no need to strive or compromise according to social standards of success; she sees no need to plot for position, worry about provision, or succumb to the pressures of a constantly changing culture. She knows who she is and what she was born to do. She knows and boldly declares who she belongs to, and THAT is her power.
I would encourage my sisters to make knowing God their ultimate goal. The daily pursuit of His wonder and excellency is greater than any earthly prize. Fleeting pursuits tire us and leave us empty. My prayer is that women would live life on FULL. Desiring Him greater than our wants sets us up for the real wins of life.
FWM: As a 21st Century woman, what has remained a constant in your life, leading you to become the woman you are today?
KB: Being a woman of unwavering conviction. I’ve sensed the power and blessing that comes from a strong internal ethos, personal fortitude and standards. Knowing who I am and what I believe has kept me secure, relevant and reputable as I both evolve, connect and advance in local, global and cross-cultural contexts in fostering relationships rooted in diplomacy and trust.
FWM: Do you feel that sisterhood is important?
KB: Sisterhood is critical for growth and self-discovery as a women. In a relational context, sisterhood is as vital as a daily nutrient is for our bodies to function properly. We NEED our sisters. Fundamentally, as human beings, we were created for relationship. Cultivating sisterhood beautifully refines us, matures us and teaches us how to love. Sisterhood aides in dismantling foolish insecurities that are counterproductive to partnership and healthy identity; helping us as women to harness our unique power. Healthy sisterhood is a catalytic push for every woman in reaching the ultimate version of herself. In Swahili, “dada yangu” means “She is my sister”. We teach our She Saves a Nation girls about how deeply they need one another; even for means of survival. Women are stronger together; a strong sense of identity as a woman will allow you to embrace the differences in women, and as a result see greater potential in yourself you would otherwise never know you were capable of.
FWM: One of my favorite verses from The Book of Esther is 4:14, For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (NIV). As we see women pushing forward in all areas on the world stage, do you feel that we were created for a time such as this?
KB: There is something uniquely powerful about the woman’s voice. When we understand and embrace all that is within us; every part of who we are…we can like Esther stand in the face of imminent death and courageously stand for and save an entire nation, a generation, an organization, a family, a life.
In this era, women are not only discovering their voice, they are harnessing it. We are leaning into our queenly, “Esther”-like callings. Boldly standing in truth, advocating for justice, telling our stories, raising our families, running businesses, getting educated, acquiring skills, sharpening crafts, shifting culture and transforming the world. I serve cultures where women are seen and not heard. There is nothing more heartbreaking, agonizing and unsettling to witness. There’s been an unmistakable evolution, represented by a generation of women who are unafraid to blaze new trails and enter uncharted territory. Historically, women have done this, yet our generation has witnessed this reality in a much greater, more tangible sense. I encourage women to go forth in greatness, and to continue doing it with grace, godly virtue, style and undeniable class.
FWM: How can our readers connect with you outside of this interview?
KB: Readers can connect to me here:
Kanita Benson
www.kanitabenson.com
FB, IG, Twitter: @kanitabenson
&
She Saves a Nation
www.shesavesanation.org
FB, IG, LinkedIN: @shesavesanation
