Nguvu Collective

It is with a heavy heart that we learned of the tragic attack on Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who is currently in critical condition after allegedly being doused with petrol and set on fire by a former boyfriend in Kenya. Rebecca’s ordeal is a stark reminder of the escalating violence against female athletes in Kenya—violence that has too often ended in death. This report comes just months after Nairobi saw a powerful wave of anti-femicide protests in January, where women across the nation demanded justice and action. Among those at the forefront of this movement were five Nguvu Change Leaders: TASLINE OTIENO, Deborah Monari, Sylvia Awinja, Valerie Aura, and Harriet Afandi. Both in person or digitally, these leaders raised their voices to highlight the pervasive gender-based violence that Kenyan women endure daily. Following the recent attack on Rebecca Cheptegei, the Nguvu Change Leaders issued a powerful statement: “Eight months after the Anti-Femicide movement in Kenya saw one of the largest outpourings of Kenyan women on the streets in January this year, brutal attacks on women continue unabated. The systemic issues around Femicide continue to take their toll on the precious lives of women, and Rebecca Cheptegei is the most recent victim. This raises serious questions about whether anything has shifted on the safety of women. When will we start recognizing Femicide as a separate crime that women are subjected to only because of their gender? Is anyone listening at all?” As we stand in solidarity with Rebecca, our Change Leaders are asking: What has changed since January? How many more women must suffer before real, systemic change occurs? This should never have happened to Rebecca or any woman. Our hearts go to her and her family in this difficult time.  #StopGBV #EndFemicide

Obstetric violence is an issue that needs to be addressed with more urgency. Thanks to the efforts of Nguvu Change Leaders Harriet Afandi and Josephine Mwende Kamene, the issue is being called to attention tomorrow at the Medic East Africa Conference.  If you're attending the conference, be sure to connect with them as well as Ajra Abdullatif Mohamed, our Partnership Specialist in Kenya. Join in on the conversation about the need for immediate policy reforms in maternal healthcare. Meanwhile, click the link in our bio to read the OBV report. #ObstetricViolence #OBVReport AMREF WomenLift Health Health NGOs' Network Medic East Africa

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🎨📣Calling on All Artivists! The Inaugural Global Artivism Conference 2024 is set for September 5-8 in Tshwane, South Africa. This conference will be a vibrant celebration of the intersectionality of creativity and activism, with keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, performances, and exhibitions designed to inspire and empower you to make a difference. Whether you're attending in person or virtually (for FREE), this is your chance to join a global community dedicated to driving social, gender, and environmental justice through art. Visit the Inaugural Global Artivism Conference's socials and website - www.globalartivism.com - to sign up and learn more about the conference.  We’re incredibly proud of the work Global Artivism is doing to foster social change through the power of art! Global Commons Alliance | Community Arts Network | Dpict | Kumi Naidoo | Tshwane University of Technology | Culture Hack Labs

What does it mean to be a Nguvu Change Leader? In their own words, Nguvu Change Leaders share the powerful impact of being part of Nguvu Collective. These beautiful sentiments were captured during #LaunchpadKenya, where our change leaders in Kenya opened up about what it truly means to drive change and uplift communities. Lilian Olivia Orero Josephine Mwende Kamene Valerie Aura Wanja Maina naomi kelai kolian Harriet Afandi Selina Nkoile https://lnkd.in/dHx2xu8d

Women and girls in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) regions are disproportionately impacted by period poverty. Nguvu Change Leader, Amina Guyo Abdi, is working to change this narrative. A menstrual health advocate, Amina has launched the Sitiri Campaign Menstrual Health Education Guide, an educational booklet designed to empower school children with knowledge about menstruation and hygiene. This resource is a crucial step in breaking the stigma around menstruation and ensuring that learners have the information they need to care for their menstrual health confidently and respectfully. Join us in congratulating Amina for the launch of this booklet! Follow her to learn more about this impactful work and how to get this educational resource.

Over the past few months, Nguvu Change Leader Onor-Obassi Tawo has been working tirelessly on a groundbreaking study. This study delves into the legal framework surrounding sickle cell disease in Nigeria and brings together the powerful stories of sickle cell warriors from across the country. We're thrilled to announce that this first indigenous study on sickle cell in Nigeria will be released next month! Be sure to follow our socials for exclusive insights and updates. Stay tuned for something truly impactful!

Our Change Leader Ranjeeta Priyadarshini has created history this week by getting the Odisha state Government in India to grant all working women a day off every month during their menstruation. #PaidPeriodLeave. Another instance of how the whole is larger than the sum of its parts especially when women come together to drive change. It took patience, persistence, and support from fellow Change Leader Pranay Manjari Samal, and Ranjeeta has now changed the way the Indian state responds to inclusion of women in workplaces. Pranay has always been the epitome of feminist sisterhood of the Change leaders Collective, and in her quintessential style, she stood by Ranjeeta as her campaigning journey evolved from a tiny town in Odisha, reached global UN conferences in Nairobi and Geneva, and then championed this victory for women all over the world. Together they converted what could have been an isolating and almost impossible journey of leadership, to that of a powerful and inspiring story of feminist and impactful leadership. We are proud of our #NguvuChangeLeaders Ranjeeta and Pranay. You give us the inspiration and courage to continue supporting women leaders with the skills to run and win social change campaigns that drive narrative shifts and systems change campaigns, not as individual leaders but together as a Collective. Because, the whole is larger than the sum of its parts and this world needs more feminist leadership to drive progress. Nguvu Collective #PaidPeriodLeave #GenderJustice #OurPowerCollective

At Nguvu Collective, we believe in the power of collective campaigning. When we unite around a cause, we amplify our voices and make it impossible for the world to ignore the challenges we face. This #FeministFriday, we're highlighting the power of collective action taken by Nguvu Change Leaders in Kenya and Nigeria around menstrual rights. World Menstrual Hygiene Day coincided with Launchpad Kenya, where our Change Leaders in Kenya convened for a few days of learning and connection. Seizing the opportunity, they organized a powerful collective campaign tactic. Armed with placards bearing messages that conveyed the importance of menstrual hygiene, they rallied together to ensure their voices were heard across multiple media stations. In Nigeria, Change Leaders organized a similar campaign tactic last month at the historic Unity Park in  Abuja. They invited passersby to join the movement and partnered with Caring for girls with period initiative - a Nigeria-based non-profit to amplify the message of #EndPeriodPoverty. Swipe through to see images from these two inspiring collective actions. We would like to acknowledge the incredible efforts of Change Leaders Amina Guyo Abdi, Frida Karani (Being Ms President) Equality, Equity and Diversity Inclusion Advisor, and Sylvia Awinja from Kenya, and Aladeselu Margaret and Mary Aliyu from Nigeria for spearheading these impactful campaigns.

We’re very excited about Change Leader,  Harriet Afandi’s upcoming participation in Medic East Africa and Medlab East Africa 2024 at KICC, Nairobi, Kenya! This premier healthcare event will showcase groundbreaking global innovations and live features, offering a platform for impactful discussions. Harriet’s conversation will focus on the critical issues surrounding the Obstetric Violence (OBV) Campaign she champions alongside Change Leaders Deborah Monari and Josephine Mwende Kamene. Her discussions will center on advocating for effective policy reforms and their implementation to protect the rights of women, adolescent mothers, and children in maternal healthcare.  Follow Harriet on her social media platforms for the latest updates and insights from the event, and click the link to register for the event. https://lnkd.in/dPvxudTY