Wote, Makueni County – August 2025

Ahadi Achievers Empowerment CBO, in partnership with the SDGs Kenya Forum, convened a three-day training and community dialogue on the National Care Policy, Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Strategy, and Women in Leadership (WIL). The event brought together 43 participants from 23 organizations for training sessions, followed by a community dialogue attended by 128 residents including youth, women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), elders, and local administrators.

Why It Matters

Despite Kenya’s progress in gender equality policies, unpaid care work, limited economic opportunities, and underrepresentation of women in leadership remain pressing challenges. The workshop aimed to localize national frameworks, equip grassroots actors with advocacy tools, and generate community-driven solutions.

Key Highlights

• Training Sessions: Participants unpacked the 17 SDGs, explored gender equality issues, and learned advocacy tools such as gender-responsive budgeting, social accountability scorecards, and storytelling for change.
• Community Dialogue: Residents discussed the burden of unpaid care work, gender-based violence (GBV), and the need for shared responsibilities at home. Chiefs and local leaders joined to reinforce accountability and inclusivity.

Practical Outcomes:

• • Increased awareness of the National Care Policy and its 3Rs (Recognize, Reduce, Redistribute) plus 2Rs (Reward, Represent).
  • Action plans for media advocacy, including TikTok videos, podcasts, and radio talk shows to address GBV and promote gender equality.
  • Commitments from men to redistribute unpaid care work and from communities to stop kangaroo courts in GBV cases.
  • Calls for gender-responsive county budgets and stronger CSO involvement in public participation.

Voices from the Forum

Participants emphasized that women’s economic empowerment cannot be achieved without addressing unpaid care work. They also highlighted the need for inclusive leadership opportunities in churches, schools, and community structures.

Impact & Way Forward

The dialogue strengthened grassroots networks, enhanced CSO capacity, and generated actionable recommendations for policy influence. Communities pledged to become ambassadors of gender equality, protect both boys and girls, and champion inclusive development.