By Aluwani Ramarumo | Program Lead
Dear supporters and donors of Africa Matters and the She is Empowered Program,
As we close 2025, we thank you for your support and unwavering commitment. We are proud to highlight the outstanding community engagement projects led by our 2024/25 ShE Leaders in Kenya and Uganda, showcasing their dedication to youth-led impact:
Jedidah – The Inclusive First Aid and Fire Safety Training for the Deaf Community Project, Kenya
Jedidah’s project empowered Deaf individuals in Kenya by providing accessible First Aid and Fire Safety training, bridging the gap created by communication barriers in mainstream emergency preparedness programs.
Through hands-on sessions, visual learning materials in Kenyan Sign Language (KSL), and the engagement of Deaf facilitators, participants gained practical lifesaving skills, confidence in handling emergencies, and awareness of fire safety at home, in schools, and within their communities. The project also nurtured leadership by mentoring participants to become peer trainers, ensuring sustainable knowledge transfer.
"My ShE experience gave me the tools, confidence, and vision to create a program where Deaf individuals are not just included—they are empowered to lead, save lives, and inspire others," Jedidah reflects.
Adur Margaret – Hope Alive Reusable Sanitary Towel Project, Uganda
Adur Margaret’s project empowers girls and young women in the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement to manage menstruation with dignity, improving school attendance and promoting self-reliance.
Through hands-on workshops, training in reusable sanitary towel production, and menstrual hygiene education, participants gained practical skills, confidence, and awareness. The project also encouraged the formation of school-based sewing groups, creating sustainable opportunities for peer-led learning and income generation.
"My ShE experience taught me to listen to the community, design solutions that address real needs, and create lasting impact. It inspired me to transform a simple idea into a project that equips girls not just to manage their periods, but to reclaim their confidence, education, and independence," Margaret reflects.
Diana – Safari ya Maarifa Literacy Project, Kenya
Diana’s project strengthened literacy among upper primary learners in Mathare by providing age-appropriate storybooks, interactive reading sessions, debates, and themed learning activities.
Learners improved reading fluency, comprehension, and writing skills, while participating in storytelling, vocabulary games, and classroom reading corners. Teachers gained tools to sustain literacy activities, and the project fostered a positive reading culture that encouraged curiosity, confidence, and creativity.
"ShE taught me how to lead with purpose, engage the community, and design educational projects that respond to real needs. Safari ya Maarifa allowed me to transform limited resources into a space where children can enjoy reading and storytelling," Diana reflects.
Minneh – Her Hut’s Restoration, Kenya
Minneh’s project created safe, supportive spaces for young women to explore emotional wellness, self-worth, and resilience.
Through psychoeducation, group discussions, and mentorship, participants learned to identify, express, and manage their emotions. The project reduced stigma around mental health, built confidence, and strengthened local networks supporting women’s psychosocial well-being. Facilitator guides and community partnerships helped sustain these benefits, laying the groundwork for long-term empowerment.
"ShE taught me to listen, adapt, and collaborate. Her Hut’s Restoration allowed me to pivot when challenges arose, creating a safe space where young women could heal, grow, and develop confidence in themselves," Minneh reflects.
Nelvin – Flowing Forward Project, Kenya
Nelvin’s project addressed menstrual health and hygiene among adolescents in Nairobi’s informal settlements, combining education, practical skills, and peer mentorship.
Through interactive sessions for boys and girls, reusable pad-making workshops, and school-based Flowing Forward Clubs, participants gained knowledge, skills, and confidence in managing menstruation. The project created safe spaces for open discussion, normalized menstruation, and encouraged peer-led learning and leadership.
"ShE inspired me to see menstrual health as an issue of dignity, equality, and empowerment. Flowing Forward gave me the confidence to engage schools, train students, and create lasting change in how communities support girls," Nelvin reflects.
Through these initiatives, our ShE leaders have demonstrated that youth are powerful agents of change, tackling challenges in education, health, mentorship, and empowerment with creativity, dedication, and courage.
We sincerely thank our donors and supporters for making this work possible.
When we empower women and girls, communities are transformed. Your investment in youth-led, women- and girl-focused initiatives creates environments where young African women and girls can develop skills, lead community projects, and drive lasting change. Invest in youth-led impact, support our mission with a financial gift.
Happy Holidays!
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
