WEL, WITH SUPPORT FROM HER DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, HAS MADE THE FOLLOWING ACHIEVEMENTS THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS PER THEMATIC AREA.

 Development and launch of the Kenya Women’s National Charter:

Through our “Mwamko Mpya” initiative, WEL rallied 43 CSOs to advocate for operationalization or realization of the opportunities for women set out in the Constitution of Kenya (CoK) 2010.These led to the development of the Kenya Women’s National Charter, including a National Action Plan (NAP) for its implementation. The Charter, developed in collaboration with government, was shared with more than 1,200 women leaders, 8, 424 citizens, media, government, political parties and CSOs. About 41 political parties integrated the Charter into their manifestos.

Women's Empowerment Link  Women's Empowerment Link

Women’s transformative leadership and capacity building:

In order to promote effective women leadership as well as
peaceful elections, WEL in collaboration with Amkeni Wakenya
set up the Women Leadership Academy, which reached 567
women in 11 counties. Separately, over 20,000 Kenyans were
reached with messages on the need for peaceful elections
through Mama Kenya campaign. Further, WEL provided
relevant education on civic participation and voter education
to 9,932 voters in collaboration with Independent Electoral and
Boundaries Commission (IEBC). These initiatives (together with
other actors inputs) contributed not only towards realization
of peaceful elections in 2013, but also to at least 329 women
being were elected and nominated to National and County
Assemblies, and 5 others to various county and constituency
committees.
leadership Leadership 2
Influencing:
WEL engaged in various policy advocacy
initiatives with women legislators, CSOs and media to address
various legislative, policy or institutional gaps that negatively
impact on women’s wellbeing. Specifically, WEL participated in
the drafting and enactment of the Protection against Domestic
Violence (PADV) Act; the Sexual Offences Act, and the
Prohibition against FGM Act.
Petition in support of the Kenya's Protection Against Domestic Violence Bill being handed to Members of Parliament Participants chatting slogan that supports Kenya's Protection Against Domestic Violence Bill outside the Parliament building3
  • Training of 487 aspiring women leaders under the Women Leadership Academy from: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kakamega, Vihiga, Siaya, Turkana, Eldoret, West Pokot, Embu, Meru, Murang’a, Elgeyo Marakwet, Taita Taveta and Malindi.
  • Conducting a research study on Young Women in Political Participation in Kenya funded by IDRC and in collaboration with NGEC and K.U. The research has been examining and analyzing the experiences and challenges young women face while seeking political positions in Kenya.
    These unequal relations are not simply structured around gender, other factors play a role such as class, filial relations, customs and age which either limits or enhances women political participation.

 

Promotion of girls’ education:

WEL contributed significantly to growing support for girl’s education in marginalized areas.
As an example, the Desert Run Initiative conducted by WEL in
collaboration with Desert Trust Management raised funds for
girls’ education, which together with actions by supported boys
to protect girls from SGBV, saw 20 girls in Northern Kenya
proceed to High School.
IMG_1807    IMG_1826
Combating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM):
WEL facilitated the development of home grown measures for combatting
FGM.Using 87 trained teachers as ToTs, a total 2,815 boys and
girls from 38 schools in Naivasha and Baringo were educated on
the harmful practice of FGM, with 10 girls being saved from the
‘cut’, and 4 circumcisers from Baringo abandoning the practice.
Separately, WEL in collaboration with the Catholic Diocese of
Nakuru developed a documentary on the developments within
the Ilchamus community since the Anti-FGM Declaration in
2011
Anti FGM IMG_4523

Women’s economic empowerment:

Through its economic empowerment programs, WEL amongst others supported the training and establishment of Income Generating Activities (IGAs) for over 200 for survivors of violence, leading to significant improvements in the livelihoods of the concerned women. The interventions include creative tailoring, jewelry making as well as art and crafts. Additionally, a Women’s Empowerment & Support Centre – the ‘Mama Kenya Empowerment Hub/Centre’ was constructed in Naivasha. The hub seeks to economically empower women by practically training them in various skills and trades, besides acting as a rescue center.