Young Women Leaders Connect

Women in Leadership and Governance in Kenya is as old as the Nation State itself. Way before during the colonial times, Women in different areas within the Country arose to fight for their People these includes; 1. Mnyazi wa Menza, aka Mekatilili Wa Menza (1860 – 1924) led the Giriama People against the Colonial administration between 1912 - 1915; 2. Syotune wa Kathukye (1800s) led protests to recover cattle confiscated by the colonialists in Kamba land around 1911 - 1913; 3. Magdalene Aboge “Mama Uhuru” mobilised Women in Kisumu in 1959 to protest colonial discrimination against female traders; 4. Women fought side by side with the Men starting with the riots of the 1920s to the Mau Mau Rebellion of 1952-1960. 5. Women ferried food, medicine and smuggled guns needed by the freedom fighters in the forest. In 1958, Jemima Gecaga was nominated by the Colonial State to sit in the Legislative Council, thus giving Women a voice at the State level. Women Political Participation in Kenya took a trajectory when Despite all odds, the 1st Woman elected into Parliament was Grace Onyango in 1969. She was previously the 1st Mayor of Kisumu thus making it into National Politics. In 1976, the Kenyan Govt established the Women’s Bureau whose mandate was to focus on the Development and Integration of Women in National development. In 1980, Phoebe Asiyo was elected to Parliament to represent Karachuonyo Constituency. In 1983, Grace Ogot is elected as MP to represent Gem Constituency and became the only Woman Assistant Minister in the Cabinet of then President Moi. Since then Women have steadily been Elected and Nominated to different Positions in Kenya. The 2/3rd Gender quotas have not been realized but much Work goes in to ensure that these is Realized and Achieved. Echo Network Africa and Democracy Trust Fund in collaboration with Young Women Leaders Connect have began a series of Trainings for Young Women seeking elective office in Kenya in 2027. The Training entails mentoring the Young Women in Leadership and Governance as they find chart their path into National and Local Politics. During the Training we had the Opportunity to present: 📌 History of Women Political Participation in Kenya; 📌 Legal framework guiding Political Participation in Kenya and International Instruments 📌 Roles of Political Parties in Leadership and Governance, Independent Candidates in Kenya 📌 Money in Elections 📌 Role of Civic Education in Governance and Politics 📌 Mental health in Politics 📌 Practical lessons on Women Political Participation among others. As we continue in the Mentorship, Trainings and Collaborations we Wish the Young Women God's Best as they journey their way into Politics, Governance and Leadership in Kenya and beyond. #YoungWomenForum #LeadershipAndGovernance #DemocracyAndGovernance #ReadyToServe

I was honoured to speak at the Ubuntu Development Solution official Launch and 5th Anniversary. My highlights: 1. Organizations must look beyond dependency on grants and create systems for sustainance. Founding Young Women Leaders Connect was ignited by passion and the sparkle for change still exist. However, with time you understand that it goes way beyond passion. Social entrepreneurship is an avenue of monetizing the passion; which ultimately contributes impactfully to the changemakers and the organization itself. 2. I emphasized that we need to create value. When you have value, you are strategically positioned to contribute Equally as other stakeholders on the table. Many people, even founders still struggle with imposter syndrome. Yet, we have the equal potential to give and receive. More lessons learnt from amazing panelists and speakers at the event.

🌟 Happy International Youth Day 2024!!! Under the theme, 'From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development', we recognize the role of digital technology in advancing impact of youths across the globe. As an organization we are deliberate about enhancing digital skills for youth, to strategically position them to maximize on digital opportunities and harness digital technology for social impact. We celebrate our young people, especially young Women whom we work with in advancing achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. Happy International Youth Day!!!!

📢 Workshop Recap! 🌟 Yesterday, we had an amazing workshop organized by Ng'ong Road Children's Foundation and Young Women Leaders Connect. We delved into important topics like mental health and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. The sheRise mentors engaged in interactive activities, and group discussions, creating a safe and inclusive learning environment. We explored various mental health disorders, treatment options, and strategies for managing and preventing challenges. We also discussed contraception, safe abortion services, and menstrual health management. A big thank you to Ng'ong Road Children's Foundation for hosting this collaboration. Together, we're making a positive impact on young individuals' mental and reproductive well-being. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to promote awareness and advocate for mental health and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. #sheRise #MentalHealth #SRHR #Mentorship

📢 Workshop Recap! 🌟 Yesterday, we had an amazing workshop organized by Ng'ong Road Children's Foundation and Young Women Leaders Connect. We delved into important topics like mental health and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. The sheRise mentors engaged in interactive activities, and group discussions, creating a safe and inclusive learning environment. We explored various mental health disorders, treatment options, and strategies for managing and preventing challenges. We also discussed contraception, safe abortion services, and menstrual health management. A big thank you to Ng'ong Road Children's Foundation for hosting this collaboration. Together, we're making a positive impact on young individuals' mental and reproductive well-being. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to promote awareness and advocate for mental health and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. #sheRise #MentalHealth #SRHR #Mentorship

NRCF signing a partnership MOU with Young Women Leaders Connect to provide Mentorship support around SRH and Career for our post-secondary students. The partnership will allow for collaboration in developing a mentorship framework and curriculum, training mentors, and overseeing the mentorship program's impact on over 100 beneficiaries. #partnership #srh #careermentorship #friendsofngongroad #nrcf

Glad to be part of the sheRise mentors Kajiado county. Young Women Leaders Connect

I am glad to have secured the chance to be a mentors and am ready to impact the life's of young girls and change their life. Congratulations are in order

Happy Labor Day as we start a new month!!

Earlier, we participated in the EdTech Consultative Meeting, dissecting into the status of EdTech in the Country and providing tech solutions to the education sector. It was quite encouraging to see innovations that seek to enhance quality education. As an organization we are keen in integrating EdTech into our sheRise program for enhanced impact. We're thrilled to initiate partnership conversations around this subject and we look forward to localizing tech solutions in education. Gratitude to Mastercard Foundation @IHub.