A new initiative to develop the next generation of women leaders in Kenya is set to be launched this week.
As part of the initiative plans, 28 women leaders from different counties are to amplify marginalised voices and support women from underserved communities in leading socially impactful campaigns.
This training which started May 26 will end on to May 30 and will see 28 new women Change Leaders pledging to proactively address the grave issues faced by Kenyan women, according to a press release by Nguvu Collective.
The initiative dubbed Launchpad Programme is expected to be launched at the end of the training currently underway in Kajiado County.
It is a brainchild of social movement known as Nguvu Collective that has trained over 400 women as change leaders in India and more than 150 in Nigeria and South Africa.
Women leaders participating in the training are drawn from various counties including Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisumu, Narok, Isiolo, Kisii, Meru, Samburu, and Vihiga.
“Among them, 22 Change Leaders are emerging voices from marginalised communities who have consistently raised their voices about sexual and gender-based violence, maternal and menstrual health, the inclusion of persons with disabilities, teen mothers, and those facing other social injustices,” said the release from Nguvu Collective.
Three of the Change Leaders ran for political office for MCA and Senatorial seats in the 2022 elections, while two are medical practitioners. One participant has been honoured with a Head of State’s Commendation (HSC) and has received recognition for her work in areas connected with women’s rights and education advocacy.
Nguvu Collective CEO Preethi Herman, said she mooted Launchpad Kenya to support women change-makers from marginalised communities.
“I am confident we will witness them emerge as powerful leaders who can drive positive social change in their communities. At the Launchpad, these leaders will be offered support to lead campaigns around issues they wish to impact and use their skills to bring about systemic shifts that will benefit millions of women,” said Preethi.
Nguvu Collective claims that campaigns by its affiliated change leaders have resulted in nearly 50 policy-level changes and have directly impacted the lives of over 180 million women.
Naomi Kolian, and anti-FGM activist from Narok County who joined the Collective this year says , the initiative has been a safe space for her to concretise collective solutions with fellow change leaders.
“It is empowering to be heard and to find both support and mentorship here. An initiative like this was much needed and instilled renewed confidence in those of us who have felt very isolated in our journey to driving social change,” said Kolian.
Harriet Afandi, who is leading a campaign for the prevention of Obstetric Violence (OBV) in hospitals, says, her journey as a change leader has evolved and progressed over the past year because of the consistent support she has received from the Collective.
“My goal is to promote the maternal and human rights of every woman The training from Nguvu has helped me gain insights into how to move forward and reach out to policymakers to seek urgent and concrete action,” says Afandi.
