PHOTO : COURTESY, Pauline Afande
From the vibrant, yet challenging streets of Kibera to the arid landscapes of Makueni, Ivon Mukui’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of lived experience. Born in Makueni and raised partly in Kibwezi East, Taita Taveta, and Kibera, Ivon witnessed firsthand the pervasive impact of gender-based violence (GBV). The echoes of women’s cries for help, the normalization of their subjugation, and the silencing of their voices ignited a fire within her – a determination to create lasting change, particularly in areas of gender justice, SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights), health, and economic empowerment.
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.
