Women’s Empowerment Link

Women's Empowerment Link, located in Naivasha, works to ensure equal rights and opportunities for women across Kenyan society. Its main aim is to realise the potential of women and girls, increasing their political, social and economic opportunities.

It works across five key themes:

Economic empowerment
Access to education
Reproductive health and rights
Sexua and gender-based violence and HIV/Aids
Transformative leadership and governance

Main projects

The Kenya Women’s National Charter 2010

In the effort to promote female political participation and ensure that the gains for women promised in the 2010 constitution are implemented, WEL is leading a process to develop the Kenya Women's National Charter. This clarifies and provides a timeline for initiatives to realise the aims of the 2010 constituion.

Major achievements

Reaching 1,200 women leaders from 47 counties, as well as relevant people in the media, government and civil society, through the launch of the Kenya Women’s National Charter.
Distributing the charter content to 8,424 people through dissemination forums with key stakeholders including religious leaders, young female leaders, political parties, and community service organisations.
Leading on the development of policy briefs and the simplification of the Women’s Charter under the Mwamko Mpya action plan.
Documenting the Ilchamus developments since the Anti-FGM Declaration in 2011 in collaboration with the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru (CDN).
Initiating an appeal on the plight of women and children following the Tana Delta clashes resulting in a 3 day medical camp organised by fellow community organisation.
Strengthening GBV prevention and response working groups in Nairobi and Naivasha, and establishing a new sub-working group in Maai Mahiu. Sexual and gender-based violence prevention awareness activities have reached over 15,000 people during the last 4 years, and FGM prevention awareness and prevention activities have reached over 50,000 people. This has been achieved through training new trainers, organising community forums and caravans held by group members with technical support from WEL.
Training 487 aspiring women leaders under the Women Leadership Academy from several areas: 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 and Political Participation in Kenya, funded by the International Development Research Centre and in collaboration with the National Gender and Equality Commission and the Kenyatta University. The research examines and analyses the challenges young women face in seeking political positions in Kenya. These unequal relations are structured around gender and other factors including class, filial relations, customs and age, which either limits or enhances women's political participation.
Producing 100 SGBV referral books for use by shelters and working group coordinators. his helps those using referral mechanisms to aid SGBV survivors in seeking medical attention and justice following abuse.
Facilitating the establishment of safe spaces and shelters and 14 working groups in Nairobi, Mombasa and Naivasha.Awarded Best Implementer Women & Gender

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