Twenty-eight women from various counties, dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices, recently participated in a leadership program in Kajiado organized by Nguvu Collective. The initiative, known as the ‘Launchpad,’ is designed to mentor the next generation of change leaders in Kenya.
This program is particularly significant as it coincides with a period of heightened challenges for Kenyan women, including a surge in gender-based violence, discrimination, and social and economic disparities. Preethi Herman, CEO of Nguvu Collective, expressed the organization’s commitment to addressing and reversing these issues through initiatives like the Launchpad program.
“Launchpad Kenya is an event that I envisioned to support women change-makers from marginalised communities. I’m confident we will witness them emerge as powerful leaders who can drive positive social change in their communities,” Herman said.
The 28 women participating in the program hail from nine different counties: Isiolo, Kiambu, Kisii, Kisumu, Meru, Nairobi, Narok, Samburu, and Vihiga. Among them, 22 are recognized as change leaders who have consistently advocated for various social justice issues.
These include addressing sexual and gender-based violence, improving maternal and menstrual health, combating teenage pregnancies, and advocating for the inclusion of persons with disabilities. The residential program, spanning five days from its start on Sunday until May 30, aims to equip these change leaders with proactive strategies to address these pressing issues faced by Kenyan women.
“At the Launchpad, these leaders will be offered support to lead campaigns around issues they wish to impact and use their skills to bring about systemic shifts that will benefit millions of women,” Preethi said.
Harriet Afandi, a change leader campaigning for the prevention of Obstetric Violence (OBV) in hospitals, said her journey has evolved and progressed over the years because of the consistent support she received from Nguvu Collective.
“My goal is to promote the maternal and human rights of every woman. The training from Nguvu has helped me gain insights into how to move forward and reach out to policymakers to seek urgent and concrete action,” she said.
Naomi Kolian, an anti-FGM activist from Narok county said Nguvu Collective’s Launchpad has been a safe space for her to conceive 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,” Kolian said.
Preethi disclosed that Nguvu Collective’s transformative leadership program has trained over 400 women Change Leaders in India and more than 150 in Nigeria and South Africa.
Through their campaigns, she noted, approximately 50 policy-level changes have been achieved, directly impacting the lives of over 180 million women. Notably, among the participants in the Kenyan flagship program are three Change Leaders who contested political offices for MCA and Senatorial seats in the 2022 elections.
Additionally, two participants are medical practitioners, while another has been honored with a Head of State’s Commendation (HSC) for her significant contributions to women’s rights and education advocacy.
