Today, as the founder and CEO of Giving Light Society, Ivon is a beacon of hope for countless women and girls from marginalized communities. Founded in 2023, the organization is the culmination of her deep-seated passion for fostering peaceful and fulfilling lives. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Psychology, coupled with studies in Project Management and Chinese Language and Culture, Ivon’s academic pursuits further fuel her commitment to social justice, providing her with a deeper understanding of the complexities of gender-sensitive issues.

Her path to empowerment began with a period of intense learning and mentorship. From May 2023 to January 2024, Ivon immersed herself in meetings and discussions with seasoned advocates, absorbing their wisdom and strategies for supporting marginalized women. Alongside this, she engaged in charitable acts, providing essential aid to orphans and children in rescue centers. This confluence of experiences sparked a vision: to create a structured platform for collective action, addressing the systemic barriers that perpetuate gender inequality.

Giving Light Society embodies a holistic approach to empowerment, encompassing four key programs: mental health, girl child education (Kairetu), skills development and economic empowerment, and the Mother Heart program. The mental health program, spearheaded by six trained mentors, provides crucial support to individuals grappling with emotional and psychological challenges, often stemming from GBV and trauma. Weekly meetings and webinars facilitate project planning, enabling the team to address critical issues such as teenage motherhood, postpartum depression, and the early onset of emotional distress in children as young as grade four. Ivon’s determination to reach more individuals is hampered by the critical need for additional trained mentors.

The Kairetu program, named after the Kikuyu word for “girl,” focuses on menstrual health and education, a crucial aspect of SRHR. Reaching over 10,000 girls in densely populated schools across Kibera, Makueni, Kasarani, and Meru, the program provides essential resources and mentorship, breaking down barriers to education caused by lack of menstrual hygiene products. In drought-prone Makueni, a partnership with Uhuru International enabled the distribution of reusable sanitary pads, addressing a critical need and promoting sustainable health practices.

Skills development and economic empowerment are woven into the organization’s fabric, directly addressing economic empowerment gaps. Beyond mental health and menstrual hygiene, Giving Light Society equips women and girls with practical skills, including beading, crocheting, and baking. The organization fosters entrepreneurship and economic independence by providing raw materials and connecting trainees with financial literacy experts. Partners in the finance industry then provide training on saving, investing, and accessing credit, empowering women to break the cycle of poverty.

The Mother Heart program underscores the interconnection of health and environment. The Eco-Mind sub-program promotes mental well-being through nature walks and park cleanups. At the same time, the nascent waste management initiative aims to provide litter bins to schools and rescue centers, fostering sustainable practices. However, Ivon’s vision to expand these vital environmental initiatives is significantly limited by a lack of funding.

Ivon Mukui’s story is a powerful reminder that adversity can be a catalyst for change. She transformed her experiences into a force for good, creating a sanctuary where women and girls can find support, empowerment, and a voice. Through Giving Light Society, Ivon is not just illuminating paths; she is forging a brighter future for generations to come, despite operating primarily on her and her friends’ limited resources.

Call to Action: Giving Light Society, driven by Ivon’s unwavering dedication, is a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives. However, the organization’s ability to expand its reach and impact is constrained by financial limitations. Ivon, a dedicated student, and her friends self-fund the organization. We call upon organizations and individuals who share Ivon’s passion for gender justice, SRHR, health, and economic empowerment to join in supporting Giving Light Society. Your contributions will enable Ivon and her team to reach more women and girls from marginalized communities, providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. Together, we can help Ivon turn her vision into a reality, forging a more equitable and just society.

The post Ivon Mukui: Illuminating Paths to Empowerment Through Gender-Sensitive Action appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

The day began with a symbolic and practical act: a tree-planting session. Leaders from the various organizations present joined together to plant trees, offering words of affirmation and hope for their growth. This act represented a tangible commitment to climate action, with the trees envisioned to provide shade, habitat for birds, and contribute to the institution’s environmental well-being. Furthermore, the leaders recognized the trees’ potential to provide raw materials essential for timber industries, highlighting the interconnection of environmental sustainability and economic development. This opening ceremony set the tone for an event focused on tangible solutions and long-term impact.

Martha Njambi of Giving Light to Society delivered a compelling presentation highlighting the organization’s multifaceted approach. She emphasized how their programs directly contribute to climate resilience by tackling period poverty and mental health. Njambi explained the significance of their “Kairetu” program, meaning “girl,” which focuses on providing reusable sanitary pads to women and girls from vulnerable backgrounds. This initiative not only addresses the pressing issue of period poverty but also directly combats the environmental impact of non-biodegradable waste. She further underscored the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, particularly those reliant on agriculture, and detailed how the organization’s free counseling and mentorship programs address climate-related anxieties and stress. By recognizing the vital link between mental well-being and effective climate action, Giving Light to Society is demonstrating a holistic approach to building community resilience.

Joseph Makokha of Ubunifu Hub, a project of Greenpeace Africa, showcased their commitment to empowering youth through economic opportunities. He detailed the organization’s programs, which provide youth funds of up to Ksh 50,000 to support sustainable climate action initiatives, regardless of gender. This investment in youth-led solutions is further strengthened by their “aftercare” program and learning trips, which ensure that young entrepreneurs receive the necessary support to implement their ideas effectively. Makokha also highlighted the role of their podcast in amplifying youth voices and advocating for climate action. By providing both financial and educational resources, Ubunifu Hub is fostering a generation of climate leaders who are equipped to drive sustainable change.

Tony Kennedy of the Peer Mentor Association of Kenya emphasized the organization’s focus on nurturing future climate leaders through mentorship and education. He described their work in establishing environmental clubs in schools across various regions, including Kiambu, Nairobi, Turkana, and the Nyanza region. Alongside their tree planting initiatives, they provide essential mentorship to young girls on teenage pregnancies, menstrual health, and the importance of abstinence. Recognizing the interconnection of social and environmental issues, the organization also addresses economic disparities by providing sanitary towels and school uniforms to those in need. By integrating mentor-ship, education, and material support, the Peer Mentor Association of Kenya is cultivating a generation of young people who are committed to both environmental stewardship and social justice.

The event underscored the importance of integrating gender-sensitive approaches into climate action, recognizing that youth-led initiatives are playing a crucial role in driving sustainable change. Addressing period poverty, mental health, and economic empowerment were identified as essential components of building climate resilience. The work of Giving Light to Society, Ubunifu Hub, and the Peer Mentor Association of Kenya, among others, is vital to the communities they serve, offering hope and practical solutions in the face of climate change. Let us all support these vital initiatives and work together to create a more just and sustainable future for all.

The post Beyond Planting Trees: How Youth-Led Initiatives are Weaving Gender Justice into Climate Action at Kenyatta University’s Green Week appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

They hosted an event themed ‘Empowering Women in Waste Management’ that went beyond the usual expected symbolic gestures, directly addressing the challenges faced by women working in informal settlements. This initiative, centered around the ‘Sikiliza Sauti Yetu, Dunia Inaita! (SSY)’ project, highlighting how addressing climate change can simultaneously unlock economic opportunities for women. 

A core focus of the event was to dismantle the stigma surrounding women in waste management, emphasizing the vital role they play in Nairobi’s environmental health. While speaking to Doddy Okelo, the communication strategist for OAY, he stressed the need to recognize these women’s work as equally valuable to any other profession, challenging the common perception that they are merely “garbage collectors.” He highlighted the importance of fostering a sense of pride and dignity, particularly among young mothers and teen parents who often face additional burdens.

“Beyond the stigma, women in waste management encounter significant challenges. Reports of sexual harassment and rape cast a dark shadow over their daily work, and wage inequality persists,” Okelo noted. He went ahead to state that the burden of motherhood is particularly acute, with many women forced to bring their children to work due to a lack of affordable childcare.

Furthermore, Doddy, speaking to Woman Kenya Network, stated that many women lack access to proper safety equipment and training. However, according to him, OAY is actively working with civil society organizations to address these issues, including developing robust reporting mechanisms and providing support for survivors of gender-based violence. 

He further noted that the organization is committed to transitioning to a circular economy, where waste is transformed into valuable resources. This vision is intrinsically linked to women’s empowerment, with women playing a crucial role in driving this change. The event featured representatives from organizations working in this area, emphasizing the importance of waste segregation at the household level as a crucial first step toward sustainability.

This International Women’s Day initiative was not a one-day event, but a catalyst for ongoing change. The commitment to addressing gender-based violence, promoting wage equality, and supporting working mothers is a testament to the dedication of OAY and its partners. The stories shared by the women present served as a powerful reminder of their resilience and determination. They are not merely “garbage collectors,” but environmental stewards, community leaders, and agents of change. 

Their voices, once silenced, are now being amplified, demanding recognition, respect, and equal opportunities. As Nairobi moves forward, the lessons learned will continue to resonate. By empowering women in waste management, the city is building a cleaner environment and a more just and equitable society. The journey is far from over, but the women of Nairobi lead the charge, turning waste into opportunity and transforming their communities.

The post Beyond the Bin: Nairobi Women Redefine Waste Management, Fight for Dignity and Equality appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

International Women’s Day has roots that stretch back to the early 20th century, emerging out of the labor movements in North America and Europe. The first official celebration took place in 1911, drawing attention to women’s rights to work, vote, and hold public office. As the years progressed, the day garnered recognition from the United Nations in 1975, and it has grown into a global observance that emphasizes the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

Each International Women’s Day serves as a platform to remind us that while progress has been made, the fight against gender inequality is far from over. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is centered around gender sensitivity. This is a crucial concept that encourages understanding, respect, and acknowledgment of the different experiences and challenges faced by individuals based on their gender.

For too long, discussions about gender have been oversimplified or ignored entirely. Gender-sensitive approaches recognize the diverse identity spectrum, urging us to create inclusive spaces that nurture and empower everyone, regardless of their gender identity.

Celebrating International Women’s Day means standing in solidarity with diverse voices and experiences. It challenges the predominant narratives that often marginalize the stories of women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women with disabilities. By embracing an intersectional perspective, we can champion a more comprehensive understanding of what it means to be a woman in today’s world, advocating for everyone’s right to thrive.

Why Celebrate?

This is a moment to reflect on the monumental achievements of women. From trailblazers in science and politics to everyday heroes advocating for their communities, celebrating women’s accomplishments encourages future generations to achieve their dreams. International Women’s Day shines a spotlight on the ongoing struggles surrounding gender equality. Initiatives aimed at combatting domestic violence, ensuring equal pay, and promoting women’s health are just a few areas needing our concentrated efforts. By raising awareness on these pressing issues, we push for change and challenge the status quo.

Awareness without action may lead to stagnation. International Women’s Day catalyzes change by inspiring individuals and organizations to take concrete steps toward supporting gender equality. Whether it’s through community projects, policy advocacy, or educational initiatives, action can dismantle the barriers that still exist.

This day serves as a call to action, uniting people of all genders to stand together for equality. Many events, marches, and discussions take place across the globe, reminding us that the fight for women’s rights is a collective issue that requires everyone’s engagement.

By recognizing and advocating for gender sensitivity, Kenyatta University’s Center for Gender Equity Empowerment hosted a significant event today, focusing on this year’s global theme “Accelerating Action for Women and Girls, Rights. Equality and Empowerment.”  This event brought together significant personnel such Prof Waceke Wanjohi,Ph.D, FRSB, FKNAS Ag. -Vice Chancellor Kenyatta University who was the Chief guest, faculty representatives, students and experts to discuss and strategize on advancing women’s rights.

While addressing the congregation on this special occasion, VC Wanjohi in her speech noted that this year’s theme is a way of pushing forward and consolidating women’s efforts for equity. She further stated that gender issues are central hence there is need for the society to embrace women empowerment in order to reduce the rate of dependency.

Prof Wanjohi reiterated that, as a center of learning, the university is committed to the principle of equity. Everyone who has had a chance of associating with the institution bit through employment or knowledge acquisition is treated equally regardless of race, gender, physical attributes etc. “The University upholds zero tolerance to gender- based violence,” VC Wanjohi said. She further called upon the community to work hand in hand with women in empowering then thus enabling then explore their potential.

Discrimination has been the greatest barrier to gender equality as it violates individual rights according to the 2010 constitution. While reckoning the Vice Chancellor’s speech, prof Judith Waudo – Director, Center for Gender Equity and Empowerment and KU-WEE Hub Leader stated that women continue to experience inequality daily, either politically, economically, socially, technologically and in participation in decision making due to social norms hence the need to develop strategies that can help accelerate action for women and girls’ rights, Rights. Equality. Empowerment.

Some of the important norms that would play a bigger role in accelerating women and girls rights according to Prof Waudo are; implementing gender and sexual based violence policies, having gender responsive budgets to facilitate the implementation of gender policies, putting in place penalties for institutions that do not have gender responsive budgets, enforcing laws strictly especially those that deal with GBV offenders, carrying out more advocacy events at all levels as well as relieving women or compensating women of child care responsibilities as this has been identified as a key barrier to women empowerment.

The post Kenyatta University Celebrates International Women’s Day: Accelerating Gender Equality appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.