PHOTO: COURTESY
Amidst a significant surge in gender-based violence, discrimination, and social and economic inequities, Nguvu Collective’s flagship program, the ‘Launchpad,’ prepares to cultivate the next generation of influential social leaders. The leadership program aims to empower marginalized women to spearhead impactful campaigns and generate profound social change.
The goal of this immersive five-day program is to empower Change Leaders from Kenya who can amplify marginalized voices and support women from underserved communities in leading socially impactful campaigns. This residential program, which will run from May 26 to May 30 in Kajiado County, will see 28 new women Change Leaders pledging to proactively address the grave issues faced by Kenyan women.
At the Launchpad, representatives from various Kenyan counties, including Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisumu, Narok, Isiolo, Kisii, Meru, Samburu, and Vihiga, showcased 22 emerging Change Leaders advocating for marginalized communities’ issues.
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.
Moreover, Preethi Herman, CEO of Nguvu Collective, envisions Launchpad Kenya empowering women change-makers from marginalized communities to drive social change.
Nguvu Collective’s transformational leadership program has trained over 400 women Change Leaders in India and more than 150 in Nigeria and South Africa. Their campaigns have resulted in approximately 50 policy-level changes and directly impacted the lives of over 180 million women.
Naomi Kolian, who has come onboard this year with Nguvu Collective, adds, “I am an anti-FGM activist from Narok County. Nguvu Collective’s Launchpad has been a safe space for me to ideate 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.”
Harriet Afandi, a Nguvu Change Leader, leading a campaign for the prevention of Obstetric Violence (OBV) in hospitals, states, “Over the past year, Nguvu Collective has consistently supported my journey, enabling its evolution and progress. My goal is to promote the maternal and human rights of every woman. The training from Nguvu has equipped me with insights into how to actively reach out to policymakers to demand urgent and concrete action.”
