Annual Report 2022 by Akili Dada

We All Have Stories To Tell, Here Are Ours! Akili Dada

2022 Annual Report

contents 02

Foreword

Under the baobab tree

Changing the narrative one story at a time

Investing in girls voices

Visioning for girls future

Gratitude Jar

The power of storytelling 1

FOREWORD

DoIt

Afraid

Storytelling has the power to advocate, shift narratives, break barriers, inspire change, and, most importantly, give girls and young women the power to reclaim their voices. We recognize that providing girls and young women with a platform to speak up and tell their stories from their own perspectives ignites their inherent agency to take up space and leverage their voices to challenge the status quo. In 2022, we took a step back and gave girls and young women the podium to share their stories and experiences from their own viewpoints. This approach allowed us to be more intentional about ensuring they not only have a seat at the table but also have a say in the discussion. Providing girls with this platform has not only made us grateful to them and the great leaders they are becoming within their communities but has also reaffirmed our goal of using storytelling to drive change. It's essential to recognize that each of us is a storyteller, and within us, we have stories that have the power to change, disrupt the status quo, and work toward gender equality. What story will you tell? In solidarity with girls, Joy Zawadi, Executive Director, Akili Dada.

UNDER THE BAOBAB TREE Hear from our community, here are some of our Dadas voices

6 “My advice to every girl is to go for whatever they dream of, and the one thing they should never do is minimize their potential to ﬁt in or be accepted.”

“Every day is a reﬂection that girls are breaking the bias and pushing boundaries, Its also a reﬂection that my future is now, this second, this day!”

I grew up hearing "education is the key to success," and I have seen its truth. Education opens up girls' worlds and gives them options." Kerubo Wall

~Claris Nadini

~Jacinta Jerotich

“It’s important for us to invest in girls because it boosts their self-esteem and introduces them to new opportunities.”

~Elizabeth Warindi

“I am girl, I am woman, I am enough!” ~Meriam Akhrouf

“I am becoming a mountain that others may lean on as a result of the knowledge and abilities I have gained over the years. All because I had the chance to pursue my education!”

~Faith Kilonzi

We write our stories to inspire change in the world we live in! 4

WASHA

Igniting young womens agency to advocate for gender equality! Washa leverages the collective power of young women to innovate solutions to pressing issues facing them and their communities. The program invests in budding female professionals, young women-led nascent stage enterprises, and social change initiatives, building their foundations and setting them up for growth and more substantive social and economic impact. This program creates pathways through which young women can meaningfully engage across different sectors. Washa has directly been a catalyst to young women owning their power and increasing the number of young women in the social enterprise sector.

Empowering Girls: The Solution to Eliminating Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination in Samburu County Discrimination against girls and young women is still a significant problem worldwide, including in Samburu County, Kenya. The root cause of this discrimination is Gender-Based Violence (GBV), which leads to practices such as beading, wife battery, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and early marriages. These cultural practices have had adverse effects like girls dropping out of school and experiencing teenage pregnancies. As an activist, I fight against discrimination against the girl child. I believe getting rid of GBV is critical to achieving this goal. We need everyone to work together to eliminate GBV in Samburu County by 2026. Sensitizing the grassroots community is a critical step in achieving this objective. This involves teaching the community about the harmful effects of GBV on the girl child and the community as a whole. In addition, advocacy and capacity building of law enforcement officers and government officials are also essential. These people should have the knowledge and skills to effectively identify, report, and respond to GBV cases. Men are crucial to eliminating GBV and discrimination against the girl child because they're custodians of tradition. It's essential to involve them in the dialogue to find sustainable solutions to these problems. Educating men about the adverse effects of GBV on the girl child and the community can help change their attitudes towards these harmful practices. By getting men involved and actively engaged in the fight, we can create a culture that values and respects the girl child. Investing in the education and empowerment of the girl child is crucial in eliminating GBV and discrimination. By providing young women with access to education and mentorship opportunities, we can build a generation of empowered and confident young women who can stand up for their rights. It's great to collaborate with organizations like Akili Dada, which mentor girls and empower them with information and knowledge about their rights. Through these platforms, I rescued six girls in 2022 from GBV, ensuring they have access to secondary education. As I continue to advocate for gender equality, my main slogan would be, "Let's invest in the minds of young women and build a new generation." We can make generational change possible by empowering girls and igniting their inherent agency in advocating gender equality. About the Author Beryl Khalamwa is an activist fighting against discrimination against the girl child. She is a Samburu Human Rights Centre member, working to eliminate Gender-Based Violence in Samburu County, Kenya. Beryl believes empowering girls is critical to achieving gender equality and eliminating GBV and discrimination.

The Power of Feminist in Leadership: Why it's Essential for a Changing World Our societies are evolving, and feminist leadership is gaining momentum. It's crucial to manage global challenges with confidence and composure. Unfortunately, women have historically faced greater barriers to accessing leadership opportunities, education, and a seat at the table. Feminism is about freedom and equality for all, and it's essential to understand that it's not just for women. The inclusion of women in leadership positions is critical in achieving gender equality in all aspects of life. Recognizing that women bring a unique perspective to leadership positions is crucial. Women tend to be more collaborative, empathetic, and inclusive, which leads to better decision-making. Studies have shown that companies with women in leadership tend to be more successful and profitable. Women bring a fresh perspective to the table, one that is often overlooked in a male-dominated world. They bring new ideas and approaches to problems that can lead to innovative solutions. Moreover, women leaders are often viewed as more important mentors and coaches for emerging potential than men. Women leaders tend to be more approachable and supportive, which can help individuals succeed in their careers. Women leaders can help break down barriers and provide opportunities for women to succeed in male-dominated industries. They can also help create a more inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. My daily mantra is that feminism is for everyone, and to echo the words of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; we should all be feminists! About the author Atieno Omollo Constance is a social worker with the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Joseph (FSJ). As a confident advocate for feminism and women's leadership, she believes in the power of women to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to global challenges. Atieno is passionate about creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all.

The time is now for women to have a seat at the table! Women's participation in decision-making spaces is not just important, it's crucial to achieving gender equality. When women are involved in decision-making processes, they can bring a unique perspective that challenges existing power structures and barriers, and ultimately lead to better outcomes. Women's involvement in decision-making is not only about achieving gender equality but also about creating a more inclusive society, where the voices of marginalized groups are heard and valued. As a society, it's essential to support networks and movements that amplify the voices of girls and women. Girls and women need a supportive environment where they can express themselves freely and have their voices heard. Support networks can provide women with the necessary tools and resources to participate in decision-making. They can also offer mentorship and linkages to other women in similar positions. Support networks are essential in creating a culture where women's voices are valued and respected. As an advocate, I am inspired by organizations like Akili Dada, which focus on enhancing girls' and young women's knowledge of their rights and amplifying their voices. I am also inspired by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who has taught me to appreciate womanhood and feminist leadership and ignited my desire to challenge existing inequalities. To address this, I co-founded Husika Dada, a platform for adolescent girls and young women to participate in the governance process and access Sexual Reproductive Health Rights and mentorship. Sisterhood is also key in advocating for gender equality, as we need one another and a strong community that creates a safety net. Together, let's amplify the voices of girls and women! About the Author Shirleen Adhiambo is a co-founder of Husika Dada, a platform for adolescent girls and young women to participate in the governance process and access Sexual Reproductive Health Rights and mentorship. She is an advocate for girls' and women's rights and is inspired by organizations like Akili Dada.

Breaking the Chains: My Journey Towards Feminist Leadership As a woman living in a patriarchal society, I have struggled to come to terms with my feelings and experiences. Unfortunately, this is a common experience for many women worldwide, regardless of their background. My journey toward feminism began when I realized that we all share the same struggles and that we can make a difference and achieve our goals by working together. Akili Dada was the first step on this journey, and it inspired me to understand that I am living my purpose. In my opinion, feminism means equality between genders. It recognizes patriarchy as the root cause of oppression, highlights that the personal is political, and stresses the importance of representation at decision-making tables. We must be represented at these tables, as we need our input to be heard and taken into account. If we're not invited to these tables, we should create our own and invite others! This is a way to address the root cause of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms, which is central to feminist leadership. We should all be feminists because gender equality is not just a women's issue. Older generations must support and mentor the younger generation to cultivate more women leaders. Mentorship is essential; people need role models to look up to and learn from. We need something practical and achievable. About the author Sonia is a feminist leader at Hawi CBO. She believes feminism means equality between the sexes and recognizes patriarchy as a root cause of oppression. She emphasizes the importance of representation at decision-making tables and believes that mentorship is critical in cultivating more women leaders.

Taking action to make a difference As a young leader and activist, I am deeply committed to advocating for eliminating gender-based violence (GBV). I am affiliated with a local organization that works towards creating a safe and equal environment for women and girls. GBV profoundly impacts young women and girls in my community, causing physical, emotional, and psychological harm, limiting their potential, and leaving a long-lasting effect on their lives. It undermines their confidence, disrupts their education, and affects their well-being. GBV is not an isolated issue but rather a systematic problem that affects individuals and the entire community. My journey into activism began when I witnessed the effects of GBV on the lives of young women and girls in my community. I was inspired by the bravery of survivors who spoke out and the strength they showed despite their challenges. I hope to create a world where all young girls and women can live free from violence or oppression. I am working to raise awareness about the issue of GBV and advocate for better support services for survivors. Akili Dada has been instrumental in my activism journey; they have provided me with the resources and tools to advocate more effectively. The organization has also helped me build a network of like-minded individuals who share my passion for change. Eliminating GBV by 2026 will require a collective effort from all sectors of society, including the government, NGOs, communities, and individuals. We must work together to change harmful gender norms and stereotypes, provide support services for survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. My go-to slogan for eliminating GBV is "It's hard to be silent; together, let's fight GBV." This slogan emphasizes the importance of collective effort and calls everyone to act and create the change we need. Through my advocacy efforts, I have reached out to survivors and provided them with support and resources. It is a powerful feeling to see myself making a difference in the lives of others and touching their lives. About the Author Nkamao Millicent Larpei is a young woman activist passionate about advocating for eliminating gender-based violence. Her journey into activism began when she witnessed the effects of GBV on the lives of young women and girls in her community. She hopes to achieve a world where all young girls and 10 women can live free from violence or oppression.

Empowering Young Women Leaders at the Grassroots Level Access to leadership spaces through the Punguza Mzigo campaign and being a secretary of the Women Caucus has created pathways for me to access leadership training inspiring my passion for leadership. Through this passion, I was able to start an organization aimed at engaging vulnerable women at the grassroots level. Running a grassroots organization is exciting, scary, and requires total commitment. Young women understand current issues best and have workable solutions. Capacity building in leadership is crucial. Financial resources play an important role in politics and can help build confidence and provide protection, which is why there is a need to fund young women candidates. Most challenges come from the community, so there is a need to engage the community on women's leadership, challenge existing beliefs, and bring about change. There is a high level of ignorance at the grassroots level, which is why funding grassroots organizations that carry out capacity building and community engagement is crucial, as they are in touch with the community and play a massive role in changing people's mindsets. Lastly, Akili Dada has shown me the importance of feminism and self-care. As a young woman, I must define what I want and commit to relentlessly pursuing it. By Merceline Odhiambo-Founder and Executive Director of Grassroot Women and Politics

Leading Fearlessly: My Journey as a Feminist Advocate and Mentor I am a passionate feminist leader, it makes me significant and bold. While on campus, I pursued a course on Gender and Development, which made me an ambitious advocate for women and minority groups in Kenya to have leadership positions. My leadership journey began when I was born, as I am the firstborn in my family, and I have grown up taking up leadership roles. Throughout my leadership journey and career, I have seen various touchpoints that have shaped and influenced my perspectives on leadership. Through Akili Dada, I was equipped with skills on how to become a transformative feminist leader who can strengthen the capacity of other young women advocates. The most impactful way to invest in girls and young women leaders is to encourage women to design projects that best address their problems, making them active agents of change. I also conduct mentorships and business innovation, coaching young women to develop innovative business ideas. Through mentoring women in business, they can participate equally in existing markets, have an increased voice agency, and make meaningful participation in economic decisions. The fearless leader I look up to is Mitchell Obama because of her endless effort in working hard. She has become a role model for women and an advocate for healthy families. My go-to mantra as a young woman leader is to be innovative, happy, and resilient in all spheres of life. By Winnie Mueni, a young woman leader.

IT IS HARD TO BE SILENT It is hard to be silent Mouth shut over love full of harassment Girls dragged into sex with violence Let's come out and shout It is hard to be silent. Afraid of the male muster's choke As for the years, we spoke We were punished for culture broke Only wishing to die, leaving them happy without us It is hard to be silent. Women were thought to be weak and inferior As we watch our girl power being demeaned to reduced hashtags With women being denied even the right to own their sweet voice, face, and beautiful bodies whose men claim to belong to them

It is hard to remain silent. When our young daughters are denied the right to education When the girl child is not given roles in the community, they are born Instead, being sent to only fetch water, firewood, and clean homesteads It is hard to remain silent. When we know the cause of violence is simply because we are "women." With nothing to proudly call our own, not even a free walk without questions It is time we convert from nouns to verbs Scanning for our rights and respect For like the males. We can do better... By Nkamao Millicent Larpei

It is hard to be silent. When our choices are stripped away When our dreams trashed to nothing And we are told we only belong to the kitchen Cooking for them as they bask outside, making fun

Washa’s Impact

Skills Aquired Advocacy

Storytelling

Feminist Social entreprenuership leadership

More than100

Young women have been trained in advocacy, leadership and entrepreneurship

Our reach

We have manged to reach young women from Rwanda, mombasa, Kiliﬁ and Samburu.

ANGAZA Amplifying Girls Voices

Angaza intervenes in significant and potentially catalytic transition periods for girls and young women - primary to secondary school, secondary to tertiary education, professional career, and young adulthood- by facilitating their access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities. The program awards comprehensive multi-year high school scholarships to girls and young women from Kenya’s rural and low-income regions, focusing on Arid and Semi-Arid counties. Angaza also creates platforms for recent high school graduates and program alumnae to access networks and platforms, giving them a competitive edge to acquire post-high school scholarships and personal development opportunities worldwide.

Giving girls a voice to pursue their dreams Mentorship offers girls and young women reassurance that there dreams are valid and they have the hope of achieving them. As an Akili Dada alumnae, having access to mentors with whom we shared similar experiences and had the same passion and hobbies boosted my confidence in the career path I wanted to pursue, hobbies I enjoyed doing, and, most importantly, achieving my academic goals. Educating a woman is educating the world. And mentorship is the secret ingredient to ensuring girls access quality life education, giving girls hope to pursue their dreams. The Angaza program which seeks to intervene at significant and potentially catalytic transition periods for girls and young women has served as great platform for me to have access to mentorship and most importantly education. The program constantly reminds us why investing in girls and young women passionate about taking charge of their lives and finding their voice is essential. The developing world continues to register significant discrepancies in access to schooling for girls and basic literacy among adult women. About author Mercy (Jem) Jemutai, Akili Dada alumnae class of 2016, is a young feminist and a human rights activist. Her work is centered on social justice, bodily autonomy, integrity, accountability, and freedom. As an intersectional feminist, her experience and expertise ensure programs deliver to the right holders, is people-centered, and support efforts to mitigate and eliminate injustices.

Investing in girls’ education= and girls’ rights! As an avid champion of education, I know firsthand that gender equality and women's representation in the education sector have become critical NOW more than ever. Yet, according to UNESCO estimates, around the world, 129 million girls are out of school, including 32 million of primary school age and 97 million of secondary school age. Its hard to overlook this impeding crisis, meaning we must ACT NOW toward investing in the advancement of girls' education because, as an African proverb rightfully states, if you educate a woman, you educate a nation. A statement that has proven undeniably real time and time again. I do recognize the importance of having platforms like the Angaza Program by Akili Dada which continues to illustrate why we must invest in girls' education and give them opportunities to chase their dreams. Looking back, Akili Dada ignited my passion for girls' access to education and gender equality, and women's empowerment within our communities. Her story continues to prove that countries that value their daughters' education as much as they do that of their sons thrive! Additionally, her story continues to show that girls have every right to be in school. Let’s all ensure girls are in school! About author Claris Nadini, Akili Dada alumnae class of 2017, is a young woman leader passionate about women's empowerment, extending educational opportunities, and bringing positive change to political leadership in Kenya and Africa at large. She currently serves as the founder and chair of Badili Zone Organization, a grassroot, youth-led nonprofit based in Nairobi, Kenya which champions access to quality education.

Unlocking Girl’s access to success Education has opened my life to new experiences that I would have imagined before. My life was transformed the day I sat across from Dr. Wanjiru Rutenberg, founder of Akili Dada, and a board member representative who interviewed me for consideration for the Scholarship Program. Since then, I have been the first Akili Dada intern in 2010 and worked closely with other colleagues during the earlier years of Akili Dada to evaluate how we were doing and dream of where the organization could go. The mentorship was a foreign concept to me before joining the Akili Dada sisterhood, and it gave me a blueprint for life. My assigned mentor always offered their presence physically or online, and I saw what success, poise, and outspokenness looked like in the mentors and emulated them. Education never stops, but it is especially critical for girls because it means the difference between success and perpetual poverty. Indeed I have been empowered to pursue my dreams and supported all my siblings in pursuing their academic dreams due to my scholarship. About author Kerubo Wall, Akili Dada alumnae class of 2009, is the author of Yana Goes to Kenya, its Swahili translation Yana Atembea Kenya and an accompanying coloring book. When she and her husband became parents, they knew they would teach their children Swahili however they had no Swahili children’s books. Fellow Kenyan moms raising children in the diaspora too shared their concerns about the scarcity of delightful children's resources in Swahili or about Kenya therefore she decided to bridge this gap.

Angaza’s Impact We are inspired by the stories of our alumnae, and we are thrilled to continue the work and ensure that 50 adolescent girls from underserved communities in Kenya (Kilifi, Kwale, Turkana, and Samburu) access and stay in school for the next four years. Girls in these regions face harmful cultural practices like beading, child marriages, and Female Genital Mutilation. To support them, we aim to fundraise USD 200,000 for these critical areas. We also launched the Manyatta homeschooling project to provide 300 out-of-school girls with education. We are celebrating the wins we achieved in 2022 under the Angaza program while continuing to amplify girls' voices.

Scholar engagement

scholars engaged in the year 2022

Scholars graduated in March (14) and Dec respectively (20)

New scholars onboarded in 2022 in Kwale, Turkana and Samburu

Manyatta homeschooling project needs assessment commissioned Fifty-three alumnae are applying for the commonwealth scholarship nominations and three have been selected for nomination. Increased access to scholarship opportunities through the Rise Challenge outreach led by Akili Dada, reaching over 320 learners One Alumnae successfully applied for the Mastercard scholarship at United States International University-Africa (USIU-A).

URITHI Nurturing Legacies of Inﬂuence

Urithi takes cognizance that girls and young women have inherent agency. Urithi's critical programming features girl-centered leadership development, equipping girls and young women with the requisite skills to make informed decisions about themselves and their futures. We leverage creative and innovative approaches to provide relevant skills training, comprehensive age-appropriate health and human rights education, psycho-social support, and mentorship. The milestone for Urithi is that adolescent girls and young women begin to build their legacies in their spheres of influence.

From Hiding in the Shadows to Becoming a Voice for Change Growing up, I had access to leadership and mentorship circles. However, I never felt appreciated or confident enough to express my ideas or opinions. I kept my head down and was in a dark time. I wanted to be a voice for people like me, but how could I do it in silence? I knew I had a voice that could make a difference, but I was hiding behind other people's shadows. Living in an informal settlement meant I had to be tough from a young age. I had to fight my way out of situations. Most of the time, I was alert wherever I went. I saw crimes in broad daylight, young mothers becoming widows, sexual violence, and school dropouts. This was a wake-up call for me as a writer. As a young girl who needed to be heard, I started writing poetry at that young age. My pen and paper told stories of our struggles, pain, and words we were not allowed to express. I was not proud of the changes in my body, and I kept my feminine side hidden to be considered "strong." Embracing femininity felt like being weak. It was a mindset that was forced on us from a young age. But one day, I decided it was enough. Enough of feeling like I was not enough, enough of being mistreated and misunderstood. I needed to use my voice to get the attention of those trampling me. I started imitating radio hosts that we listened to in front of the mirror. My main aim was to make a difference through my writing and use my voice. The more I grew, the more I got in touch with my feminine side. I no longer had to be tough to fit in. I shed my tough nature and decided to use my voice to effect change. I was ready to fight through words. When I went on stage for the first time, I felt at home. I was scared, but I did it without being cut off, and even though my voice sounded bad to me, the message was received. I realized that I could be heard. From that day forward, I decided to use my craft to challenge myself and the world. I have become inquisitive and learned from everyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.

I am now a firm believer in equal opportunities. I don't need to fight for people to listen to or respect me. I have trained many children in poetry and being comfortable in who they are. That has always been a challenge for me, but I want them to have a different story. I would love for a young me out there to feel loved and heard. I am now bold and strong compared to my younger years, and I'm still learning and growing beyond measure. My favorite Wasichana Wa Afrika Summit segment was on sisterhood and cultural beliefs that hold back girls. The girls were ready to share their sentiments while supporting each other. I realized that, as much as we come from different countries, we experience similar problems. It was eye-opening when some girls said they were afraid to speak out but felt like the summit was a safe space to air their grievances, including talking to the counselors. It made me understand that I have to be a voice for the voiceless through my writing and support my fellow young girls and women. The Girl Power segment was also a great experience that helped demonstrate the power of African girls. I look forward to the Wasichana Wa Afrika Summit 2023 being a physical one. Most girls who attended the previous one virtually also felt the same way. It will be a step in interacting with girls and giving them a platform to socialize and boost their confidence. It was fun being virtually together, but we are stronger physically together. I believe that girls should be part of the summit because we are building a better generation now and in the future. Through the summit, the girls are able to take up space and grow together without fear of discrimination or neglect. It is a safe space for all. By Grace Buliba, a poet, journalist, and girls' rights champion.

I AM ENOUGH They will make you a mother. I am more than just a girl When you start menstruating late, you're judged Yes, I was born and raised as one, When you start your menses early, the same But do you know what it means to be me, her, and us? No, Whose life am I supposed to live if mine is full of your opinions? You have no idea I was raised to believe toy cars are for boys and dolls are for girls, Stop when I say No! And playing football would make me a boy, Don't force me to live your ways But I loved football Don't marry me off The funny thing is I didn't know how to plait those dolls; I still don't know. Don't chase me away You judged me each new day With your words, with your actions Don't sit that way! Don't walk that way! Listen to me, I don't want to fight When a man speaks to you, look away As I fight every stereotype, I cry for HELP How am I supposed to stand my ground? Please keep me safe, and I'll stay By screaming on the inside?! While smiling on the outside?! I am not just a girl, I look them straight in the face I speak my mind I am a giver of life I can choose to or not to give birth I bleed each month and stand strong My body changes are so noticeable To some, they are a threat They view me as a prey Whether I wear tight jeans or a Dera My natural features are food to them They are ready to pounce on me I was once scared of speaking out So ashamed of my perky breasts My wide hips and my beautiful voice These are all triggers, they say You have started menstruating Don't talk to boys!

From now on, I choose to live my life focusing on my future, My education, self-care, and self-awareness Ability to stand my ground I not only believe in ME, I believe in US I am not just a girl child, not a teenage girl I am WOMAN I not only bring change, but I also make it happen I AM ENOUGH By Grace Buliba, a poet, journalist, and girls' rights champion.

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Unapologetically taking up space as an African girl! Undeniably, many girls in certain parts of Africa suffer from many problems in their communities. The Wasichana Wa Afrika Summit 2022 provided a crucial opportunity for girls to discuss these problems. Each of us shared our own experiences, and we listened closely. I discovered that each of us has our own story. The summit created a safe platform for African girls. I had the chance to meet and interact with many new beautiful girls with their experiences and stories. Every story uniquely touched me, and I learned a lot from them. The summit was a great experience where I could discuss topics that bring us together and express my ideas and opinions freely, without hesitation, and in comfort. We felt like one soul inside many bodies. I will never forget this experience, which allowed me to let my inner child, Meriam, speak about topics that interest her and girls like her. A big thank you to AKILI DADA for this fantastic opportunity filled with love. It would be an honor to join you again with new ideas to share. By Meriam Akhrouf, Project Soar-Morocco

This is my safe space In a world full of girls, and boys, Equality doesn’t find where to live We need its presence to annoy Our life to fill it with peace Girls are victims of a mindset That hasn’t any destination Girls are victims of a community That safe space for them isn’t an obligation We are half of society. Not only words but with statics We are citizens inside our society Where should we express ourselves free Now, no fear, no silence, Just power, believing in our own power We want to see the brilliance Shine in every girl’s sky Safe space is a sense of security We can produce a passionate soul Safe space is a sense of security We can develop our hopes By Meriam Akhrouf, Project Soar-Morocco

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Menstrual Hygiene: A Critical Issue That Needs Immediate Attention Access to menstrual hygiene products is a critical issue that has been overlooked by many. Sanitation and hygiene for girls are crucial, and having access to sanitary towels is a top priority. However, the cost of clean towels is increasing, and most girls, particularly those in rural areas, cannot afford them. This issue has been pressing for a while, and more work needs to be done to address it. Governments must invest in providing free access to menstrual hygiene products for every girl. Having access to these products means that girls can attend school without hindrance, achieving a 100% transition rate to schools. Period poverty also violates girls’ rights, as perpetrators often take advantage of this situation to harm them. It is encouraging to see people looking out for girls, like Kenyan Senator Gloria Orwoba, who has been pushing for free access to sanitary towels for girls in school. Such bold campaigns remind girls that they are not alone and that women leaders are ﬁghting for their rights. The government should carefully consider this matter and take immediate action. This is a conversation that began spontaneously among a few girls but has grown in importance, and we see the need to address it urgently. By Njuguna Purity Nekesa, Joy Melody Murugi, Amanda Njuguna, Olivier Nduku and Ruth Wanjira

To be an activist is to speak.To be an advocate is to listen. 27

The Power of Storytelling Chini Ya Mbuyu Podcast

Real stories, lived experiences Check out our podcast on any podcast platform.

My Podcast Journey Drawing from the fact that African girls’ stories are not accurately told within our communities and mainstream media with continuous misrepresentation, it was important for Akili Dada to create a platform that empowers girls to own their voices. Chini Ya Mbuyu, a feminist podcast, allows girls and young women to tell authentic stories without fearing being judged or rewritten. African Girls and young women have been able to leverage the podcast as an advocacy platform to lobby attention on issues such as period poverty, mental health, gender-based violence, and sisterhood. Over the past four seasons, we have mainly discussed gender-based violence, sexual reproductive health rights, feminist leadership, sisterhood, and self-care. Through these conversations, girls have shared their lived experiences and solutions they have created within their communities toward building a better future for themselves. As we look back and reminisce on what 2022 was like, we wanted to take the mic and tell our stories too. We were excited to highlight how we were able to co-create learning spaces with girls and young women through the Our Stories of Change episode and celebrate engaging with over 1500 girls at the Wasichana Wa Afrika Summit 2022 through the Our Year in Review episode. What’s next for the upcoming seasons? We are also thrilled about the future, especially since we are having our first inaugural class of the Chini Ya Mbuyu Podcast Academy, where we will be training young women in skills for digital advocacy and storytelling for change. Season 5 is currently running that explores women in various spaces; transport, politics, and social change, and it also delves into SRHR by bringing on a gynecologist to demystify some of the myths associated with SRHR. Tune in to Chini Ya Mbuyu on your favorite podcast platform today! By Elizabeth Warindi, Chini Ya Mbuyu Podcast Host

Our Podcast Reach 1939 Downloads Most downloaded episode was Embrace Equity in STEM

1506 Downloads Most downloaded episode was Embrace Equity in STEM

Top listenership regions

Kenya

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Create Pathways For Girls to Thrive Despite strides being made to support girls' education, over 98 million adolescent girls around the world are not in school, particularly those from underserved backgrounds. Cultural biases, gender discrimination, and safety concerns hinder girls' learning. A UN report on the Sustainable Development Goal Progress 2022 indicates that the world may not achieve SDGs 2030 with regard to girls' education. It is projected to take another 54 years, even without considering the fallout from Covid-19. Although this data may be alarming, it underscores our commitment to girls' education and motivates our efforts to address their educational needs. Education is transformative for girls. The most significant investment will make the biggest difference in a girl's life. It is the single best approach to improving the status of women. Educated girls are healthier, earn more income for their families, and are active contributors to their communities, countries, and the world. Education is a force multiplier! As we work towards achieving SDG 4 - Quality Education, we have invested $79,133 in girls' education and mentorship this year. We understand that education for girls means much more than putting them behind a desk in a classroom. We believe that education underpins all other SDGs. We are focused on reaching the SDGs and bringing deep and long-lasting change to the lives of girls and their communities. To deliver on our promise, we aim to increase education funding and ensure every dollar is spent with girls in mind. In the coming year, we are committed to raising a minimum of $200,000 to continue investing in girls' education. We recognize the significant impact that our donors and partners have had on our fundraising efforts and girls' education. As we continue to fundraise for girls' education, we invite you to partner with us in supporting girls to complete their high school education and propel them toward a brighter future. And in case we don't say it often enough, THANK YOU for your support. By Sylvia Njambi, Resource Mobilisation Lead- Akili Dada

Our 2022 expenditure was $804,675.48 of which was spent on Programs, Finance & Administration, Communications & Advocacy, Organisational and Development.

$419,920.05 $126,387.01

Organisational & Development

$94,982.80

Programs

Communications & Advocacy

Finance & Administration

$163,385.62

Our Vision for a World Where Ever Girl Can Be Their Best Selves! Reflecting on girls voices and their stories, we found it critical to also engage with our program leads (Patricia Machio- Urithi program lead, Emma Kerubo- Washa program lead and Mourine Achieng’ Angaza program lead) on why its essential to invest in girls, their dreams and commitments to girls and young women through their programs and most importantly offer a glimpse of their visions for the future them as we build on our upcoming strategy.

But mentorship helped build my confidence and capacity. Access to mentorship propelled me to heights, and I wanted young women to have the same opportunities. I am also inspired to create safe spaces for young women, letting them know they always have a hand to hold when they need capacity building toward their professional and personal growth.

Here is what they had to say. Kwame: What inspired you to program for girls and young women? Machio: Growing up, I did not have easy access to role models. Additionally, there was a notion that girls couldn’t be anything other than mothers and homemakers, and we were conditioned to follow this trajectory. However, as I grew up and became more than what society had set for me, I had access to role models and engaged with women who were doing great things. I thought to myself, the girls coming up behind me also deserve to have this access, which is why I felt it was essential to get into programming for girls and young women. I also understand their lived experiences, and I want them to enjoy the things we didn’t enjoy growing up. Mourine: My inspiration for programming for girls is primarily linked to my personality. I am always keen to share and hold girls’ hands and connect them to opportunities that are not easily accessible. Looking back on my school days, I had a challenge with access to education due to fee arrears, making me relate to girls with limited access to education. It also fuels my passion and drives to share knowledge and constantly create empowerment solutions for girls. Emma: My passion also comes from lived experiences. The lack of mentors, capacity building opportunities and skills, and technical support challenged me to get into leadership roles. However, getting into leadership at a young age without enough experience was not a smooth ride at first.

Kwame: What are your big dreams and commitments for girls and young women, and how can we achieve them through W.A.U? Emma: My ultimate dream for young women in 2023 is for them to believe in their power and their ability. So much so that under the Washa program, we employ it within our strategies and ensure that young women thrive in whatever they put their minds to. We are always keen on enhancing their leadership capacities to become agents of change within their communities. Additionally, we are creating supportive systems for them through mentorship and all forms of support they need and increasing their capacity to lead change in the various platforms they engage in, like the gender sector working group. Additionally, our commitment is to ensure that we update young women on the current events and data within the movement building space through virtual and physical trainings and have crosss-learning exchanges. Through these activities we seek to sharpen each others skills and interrogate and invent different solutions to their lived experiences not only in Kenya but Rwanda too. A success story would be of one of our constituents, Beryl Khalamwa from the Samburu Human Rights Centre. We entrusted her with running the 16 Days of Activism in Samburu County. Through the role, she organized other young women leaders to support the campaign and engage with relevant stakeholders, including county officials. From the campaign, ten beaded girls in their community could cut off their beads and go back to school. Mourine: My dream for girls in 2023 is to position them for excellence through career mentorships and capacity building with a keen focus on their employability skills, which will positively impact their ability to thrive professionally. Through the Angaza program, we are also passionate about uplifting girls to take up opportunities that come their way by being very intentional with constant communication and support in applying for options such as higher learning scholarships. We would also like to increase the percentage of girls that respond to opportunities and can transition to higher education. We are also excited about 2023 taking education to the out-of-school girls in Samburu County through the Manyatta-Homeschooling project equipping them with numeracy and literacy skills. Our commitment is to build more strategic partnerships that benefit us towards achieving the 100% transition for our scholars. We seek to address barriers that hinder girls' access to education and creating structural programs at the community level that are solutions to these challenges.

Machio: My big dream for girls through the Urithi program is to prepare them for more leadership positions. From our interactions with girls and young women, they understand their inherent power and desire to tap into their potential. Our primary strategy for 2023 is to upscale girls’ access to decision-making spaces by nurturing their leadership skills. We also want to amplify their voices and create more spaces for them to rise into their agency and improve their advocacy skills. We want to see more girls sit on advisory committees. We are genuinely inspired by our constituents who have been able to access these leadership opportunities, and we look forward to seeing more girls have the same access. Our commitment is to create more strategic spaces where girls can take up leadership, have more girl-centered activities and heighten the leadership skills of girls ensuring they have more targeted skills that are relevant to todays world.

Kwame: How can girl allies and stakeholders support girls’ and young women’s access to education and leadership?

Mourine: My key message to girls and young women is that they are enough, able, and can do anything they want.

Machio: Girls’ allies must be more attentive to girls’ needs and ensure a girl-centered approach to their interventions. If we are programming for girls, let's first be aware of their lived experiences and expectations. Let's also be wary that girls are experts at their realities. Under the Urithi program, one that has been effective is having agile programming for our constituents. It has led to interventions that are always responsive to and exceptionally timely to inform our programming. It's also essential for us to continually engage with partners that have girls’ best interests at heart.

Emma: My message to girls and young women is to believe in their power and ability. By Vivian Kwame, Communications Associate-Digital

Mourine: As girl allies, let's create spaces and leadership opportunities for girls. It’s critical to create specific roles with our organizations and programs that give girls a platform to exercise their leadership skills, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Let’s build foundational elements to increase funding for girls’ access to education, mentorship, and psychosocial support. Emma: The most critical thing is remaining faithful to their organizational mandates. They also need to identify and stay true to the values and essential must-haves for their programs, keeping in mind the girls and young women they are programming for. As allies, let's create structures and systems that ensure we reach out to the young women who match our expertise as an organization. Kwame: What's your message to girls and young women? Machio: My message to girls and young women is that we see you and all of the fantastic things you are doing and your potential. Always remember that you have a dada willing to help you get where you want to be.

WASICHANA WA AFRIKA SUMMIT 2022 36

WASICHANA WA AFRICA MANIFESTO In the month of October, we held our 5th Pan African Convening ‘The Wasichana Wa Afrika Summit’ whose theme was ‘Power! Unapologetically taking up space!’ and virtually hosted girls representing the continent. This convening encouraged girls to share their experiences, express their views and visions for eliminating SGBV in order to create safer spaces for their meaningful engagement in decision-making and leadership. Girls shared their traumatic experiences of forced sexual relationships with their fathers, step fathers, extended male relatives, some consequently leaving them pregnant. The girls also informed us of the ineffectiveness of existing referral systems and its reluctance in protecting them from SGBV. The girls further came up with some innovative calls to action that will power them up to enrich their leadership pathways and address Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) as a barrier to their participation in decision-making and leadership. They include: It is our individual responsibility to make the world a safe space today regardless of our gender. As leaders, it is our mandate to put in place alternatives rights of passage that do not harm girls. We should establish Girl advisory councils that shall be allowed to speak on behalf of girls in spaces that predominantly do not allow female presence. This goes to ensure representation in every space in our communities. We should also normalize women and girls in leadership so that they can no longer be shocking news all over.

Women and girls should be encouraged to pursue their talents and gifts as they could spur their development and growth in leadership spaces and also assist in their expression. The State and Non State actors should provide sufficient Safe houses that girls can access especially those with babies. Corporate spaces to remain friendly to women. They were encouraged to create safeguarding polices which should be implemented and utilized to protect women and girls. They then encouraged parents why it is critical to have strong, loving and safe Parent-child relationships with their children. It encourages children to trust their parents for confidentiality and protection. It also boost parents trust in their children. With these calls to actions, girls believed that it will equip stakeholders working towards girls safeguarding and empowerment with tools to fight cultural barriers, unsafe environments and degrading mental health among others. Akili Dada commits to interrogating these intersecting risks of violence meted against girls in a bid to make Africa safer for their prosperity and we invite like minded stakeholders to collaborate with us. The Wasichana Wa Afrika (WWA) Summit is a critical girl-centered and girl-led convention where girls share insight into issues affecting them and formulate solutions in an environment crafted to nurture their inherent power and leadership abilities.

We Can Do So Much Because Of You! Your gift and support to girls and young women has been instrumental to us in ensuring that girls voices and heard and represented. Through these gifts and partnerships, girls continue to rise to their agency and be a force to be reckoned with. We appreciate you in every way that you have contributed to girls success and we do not take it for granted. We look forward to working with you as donors, partners, mentors, friends and girl allies in 2023 and beyond!

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